I was walking across a bridge one day, and I saw a man standing on the edge, about to jump off. I immediately ran over and said “Stop! Don’t do it!” “Why shouldn’t I?” he said. I said, “Well, there’s so much to live for!” “Like what?” “Well…are you religious or atheist?” “Religious.” “Me too! Are you Christian or Jewish?” “Christian.” “Me too! Are you Catholic or Protestant?” “Protestant.” “Me too! Are you Episcopalian or Baptist?” “Baptist.” “Wow! Me too! Are you Baptist Church of God or Baptist Church of the Lord?” “Baptist Church of God.” “Me too! Are you Original Baptist Church of God, or are you Reformed Baptist Church of God?” “Reformed Baptist Church of God.” “Me too! Are you Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1879, or Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1915?” “Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1915!” To which I said, “Die, heretic scum!” and pushed him off.

Romans 2:1-3 Therefore you have no excuse, every one of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things. But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God?

How many small things can we find to divide us instead of measuring those things we share? Somehow we’ve managed to have a society that thinks you have to believe everything the same or you can be cut out from the group. Politics, religion, music, education…the list goes on. The smallest deviance becomes an excuse for exclusion and derision. Often in our lives we are too concerned with the small differences of others than confronting the terrible mess waiting right outside the door. If you agree with everything that is on a page but get nasty about what font to use you’ve lost sight of the goal. When I became Pastor I was once asked if I was here to grow the Presbyterian church. The answer is: I’m to grow The church. Find folks who can share the same belief in the Risen Christ. After that, what door they go through to find the right Worship place for them is their choice and it doesn’t make them any less my brother or sister in Christ if they prefer Baptist, Lutheran, Episcopalian, Catholic, Methodist or any other group of believers gathered in Christ’s name. What a boring world if we all agreed on everything down to the last dot on the page. Celebrate the wholeness of the life we all share together, disagree about the garnish with a smile.

If you have a home church please be there Sunday for Worship and fellowship. If you don’t or are a visitor to the area, please visit one of the many fine places of Worship in our community. You will surely be welcome! Presbyterian services begin at 10 a.m. with light snacks and fellowship to follow.