We enjoyed a great discussion last night. It always encourages me to hear how well our members' lives are going, and even when things are tough, how deep their faith runs. Our church is a blessing.

It's hard on us when we see the disconnect between the way most of the people who claim to know Christ treat others (badly) and the way that Christ wants us to treat people. We do so much better when we are kind, tolerant, and loving but without watering down God's standards. That was the model Jesus showed us, and wants to make evident through us. As we agreed last night, it seems that all God expects of us is to let Him live through us. As Jesus is the light, so are we lights to others in darkness.

I was surprised this morning when my reading took me to 1 Peter 2:1-9. Peter explains exactly what we talked about last night. Evidently, this is not a new problem.

Get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.

You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. As the Scriptures say,
“I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem,
chosen for great honor,
and anyone who trusts in him
will never be disgraced.”
Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has now become the cornerstone.”

And,
“He is the stone that makes people stumble,
the rock that makes them fall.”
They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them.

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

As we head into the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, let's remember to slow down from consuming and reflect on the greatness of Jesus. He set aside the riches of heaven and voluntarily game to be among us, one of us, God with us, and he took our sins with him. He did not think it was important to muscle and jockey his way to the front of the line. Nor did he cower or play the part of a doormat. The same Jesus who showed love and compassion to the weakest outcast (harlots, tax cheats, thieves, me) is also the one who turned over the tables of people trying to oppress and con others in God's name. God loves everybody, but he will not stand for any of us causing pain or using others.

He is a man worthy of following. He is God, worthy of praise and worship.

Work through us Lord.