The football game, the Play Station, and The World vs The Church

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what [is] that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans" 12:2

In Paul's letter to the Romans the instructions were explicate. "Do not be conformed to this world" be what is acceptable to God. The Church of Rome was in the capital of the known world at that time. Every type of temptation was readily available.

In my opinion the U.S.A. is becoming less Christian and more Roman. Over the last few weeks I have observed to groups of fired up people: College football fans and black Friday shoppers.

I have been bemused by College football fans for many years. Some fans just have a favorite ball team and leave it at that. Others have a more cult like devotion to their team. When the Penn State Head Coach was accused of being part of a cover up of an assistant coach who raped boys some Penn State fans rioted for the coach. The team was more important than victims of horrible crime. The rule of the mob was a defining characteristic of a declining Rome. It is becoming a sign of decline here as well.

I have been shopping on Black Friday and I have seen first hand how rude people can be. Some people hurt others to get the best deal. One woman used pepper spray to get her low priced product. This day is celebrated as a holiday. This also seems very Roman, and very worldly.

In both of these examples both of these Roman like groups are fired up for what they believe in. They are willing to fight for it. I wish more Christians would fight as hard for "what [is] that good and acceptable and perfect will of God". It's not a Play Station 3 or a football game but it is what is most important. Let's remember that.

Peace and Love!

Hope

Hope:
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only [that], but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:2-6 (NKJV)

In Paul's letter to the Romans he lays out a useful, and essential guide to ministry. We start out with access to God's grace through faith. Then we glory in tribulation. Well maybe after a while.

Disability ministry is all about tribulations. The nature of what we do puts us in a storm. The kids and families we serve suffer. We suffer through them. It's been tough watching kids, moms, dads go through so much. I relive what I have been through with my son, I understand why people are so broken. I have been broken again and again.

"Tribulation produces perseverance" This both takes time and is an on going process. Every day you survive you persevere. This leads to character and then hope
Hope in Christ.

So remember: good disability ministry is always hard. What you go through builds you into who you need to be.

God has a plan for you and he will help you understand it. There is hope.

Peace and Love.