Category: Love Your neighbor

  • Coffee and Pizza

    God hardwired us all to be different

    mug of coffee and slice of pizza

    One of my favorite breakfasts is a cup of coffee and a slice of pizza. The pizza must be leftover from the night before and eaten cold from the refrigerator, and the coffee must be fresh and hot. 

    Pizza is one of those foods that is good the night before and great cold the following day. It’s probably not the healthiest breakfast in the world, but what can I say?

    There are scientific reasons some foods are better the next day. One source says, “The breakdown of complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars can intensify sweetness, while proteins and fats break down into savory amino acids and fatty acids, enriching umami flavors. Cooling and reheating also play a role, as they can alter the texture of the food, making it more tender and palatable.”

    Some of you think my breakfast choice is “gross,” while others think it sounds like a good breakfast. You see, God doesn’t create us all alike. Each one of us is an individual, and while we might have similar likes and dislikes or similar backgrounds, no two of us are exactly alike.

    It’s like snowflakes or fingerprints. Out of all the billions of people who have been born or all the innumerable who will come, no one is exactly like you or me.

    God’s fine hand of craftsmanship created each of us for a different purpose. He’s given all of us a special purpose in life, a unique ministry, a contribution to be made for all eternity. None of us are here by accident. None of us is without a divine purpose.

    For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESV

    Think about what a blessing that is. God made YOU unique because He has something that only YOU can do in mind. That means every person, young or old, rich or poor, Christian or non, has value beyond measure.

    It’s ironic that we go to great lengths and travel vast distances to see the world’s treasures and wonders when the real treasures are all around us. 

    The person you love is a treasure in God’s eyes. The person at work who makes you crazy has value beyond measure. The street person, the criminal, the person who you disdain because of their lifestyle or skin color, all are valuable in God’s eyes. 

    When you look down on or mistreat them, you look down and mistreat the wonders of God.

    Until next time, I pray God gives you the eyes to see how unique and wonderful you are and how valuable ALL the people around you are in His sight (even those who like coffee and cold pizza for breakfast).

    Kevin

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  • Grace and Space

    We need to give and receive both

    Frace and Space – aggressive driver, road rage

    The drivers in Abbotsford are often incredibly  aggressive. They tend to drive too fast, follow too closely, and not use their signals. If you happen to drive the speed limit, you will annoy plenty of people. Often, a lot of horn honking, yelling, and hand gestures are involved.

    I know there are plenty of exceptions, but when you drive, you are almost taking your life into your own hands. I’m sure our community is not alone in this phenomenon, which seems to be getting worse all the time.

    I frequently have to remember a mantra a friend in our community group uses when driving, “Grace and Space.” It would help if you gave other drivers both. When I am driving, I often repeat that mantra to myself.

    We need it in the church as well. You likely know the well-meaning people in your local assembly who walk up to people they barely know and attempt to correct their appearance or lifestyle loudly. It makes me cringe when I see it.

    It is even worse when they do it in the community to random strangers.

    I will confess that they are sometimes bang on the money with their criticism. Yet, I can almost guarantee that the “advice” will likely be ignored or worse.

    We are not called to be the Holy Spirit for others. Yes, there is a time and place for correction or church discipline, but this behavior typically is neither. 

    We need the grace to forgive, the wisdom to know when to speak, and the space to build relationships.

    We cannot expect non-believers to live like Christians. Even Christians need help living as they should. Without the grace of Jesus, we’d be sunk.

    I know I’m a work in progress, and much needs repair. You wouldn’t have to look hard to find something to criticize. I also know that God will finish what He starts, so I’ll get there according to His timing—which may not be according to my or your timing.

    Please give other people the grace and space you would like to receive.

    Let’s be sure the Spirit is prompting us before we begin to critique others. 

    Grace and space, my friends. Grace and space.

    Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

    Kevin

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