by Rob Caudillo
After a recent Worship Service, as I greeted folks, one of our members said to me, “Pastor, living out what Jesus says in his teachings and words to us is hard”. I replied in agreement and added, “living as Christians is definitely not for the timid and weak of heart.” This brief exchange, reminds me of a story involving a family with four school age boys who were bursting with energy, especially during church. One Sunday’s message on the “turning the other cheek” from the Sermon on the Mount, got their undivided attention. The pastor stressed that no matter what others do to us, we should never try to “get even”. That afternoon the youngest boy came into the house crying. Between sobs he told his mother he had kicked one of his brothers, who then kicked him in return. “I’m sorry you’re hurt,” his mother said, “But you shouldn’t go around kicking people.” To which the tearful child replied, “But the pastor said he isn’t supposed to kick me back.”
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)
There's an example of hearing Jesus’ word and teaching and having a hard time applying in one’s life situation – even with older brothers! The hearing, the desire and accepting of Jesus’ words is most of the time the easy part. It is that application part where it becomes challenging and hard. I have personally found comfort, strength and grace in living the Christian faith in these words spoken by our Lord Jesus, “What is impossible from a human perspective is possible with God.”(Luke 18:27) And the words written by the Apostle Paul, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13) The life we are called to live as followers of Christ Jesus is possible only in God’s power and grace towards each of us.
May the fall days be full of beauty, a gentle season of change and God’s presence, mercy and good word to each of us. May our Christian walk together be found in and through God’s strength, mercy and love.
Peace,
Pastor Rob