A Beautiful Place | July 11th

"Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit on the bond of peace."

Ephesians 4:3

One of the things I enjoy is sitting in the hammock next to our Koi pond. It is nestled under mature maple trees and surrounded by flowering plants. The other evening, I was enjoying the cool breeze and the sound of the running waterfall when this verse came to mind.

As beautiful and tranquil as it is to be there by the pond, it required extensive work to build and continued maintenance. There is the threat of predators against the fish. Weeds and poison ivy that want to take over the landscape. Occasional bug treatment has to be applied as well. But in the end, it is worth it because it is a place to enjoy.

The church belongs to God and is composed of His people. It is a beautiful place to be a part of. But it takes work and commitment to maintain the unity of the Spirit. There is the threat of outside predators, the enemy of our soul who likes to create division. The spirit of the age tries to twist and pervert what is true. Then there is the old nature that is part of the redeemed. It needs to be crucified, and the followers of Christ must be yielded to the Holy Spirit.

It takes work, but nothing is as beautiful as when the church gathers for worship. It is heaven on earth. May we find our place among the redeemed of the Lord and gather to worship His name in the beauty of holiness.

In Christ Alone,

Pastor Wight