Unity of Spirit...

This last Friday, I got to do something I haven't been able to do in a while: I got to go to a live sporting event!

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL IS BACK!

....and Oh, was it glorious. Not only did the Llano Yellow Jackets win, but it was just a fun game to watch all around. If it's one thing you'll learn about me, it's that I love football. I don't care what level: High school, College, Professional, or even Youth League. I love to watch the game. It's more than just hard hitting defense, or fast running offense, but when you get into the weeds of it, it's like a chess game.

Every player on the field has to play their part. The offensive linemen have to block, the receivers have to run their routes, and the quarterback has to know where everyone is supposed to be. The best teams move as one unit, everyone knowing their place, knowing their assignment, and knowing the play.

As I was sitting at the game on Friday with our new youth pastor, Ashleigh, and her husband Jordan, we talked about all the cool stuff going on in Llano and in our lives. At one point, our conversation turned to Llano and what we see God doing here; that there is a sense of "Unity" that we have not felt anywhere else.

I cannot speak for the other Churches in the community, but I just feel like God is up to something big in this little town. I feel that there is a sense of Unity in the Spirit; that the churches of this community aren't in ministry to compete, but are in ministry to save souls...it's a team effort.

I am reminded of Paul's first letter to the people in Corinth where he says in Chapter 12, beginning in verse 12:

"Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we are all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body -- whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free --  and we were all given the same Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many."

See, we can be from different backgrounds, different denominations, different understandings of Baptism and Communion, and yet, God's Spirit is still the same, no matter what Church we call our "Home Church." 

It is my prayer that every single church in the town of Llano continue to put Christ first in all things. In our decision making, in our invitations, and in our cooperation with each other!

And just like a well coached football team, I pray we work together for the common goal; making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!

Prayer
Almighty and Gracious God,
You are Good, and your Love endures forever. We give you praise for all that you have done, all that you are doing, and all that you will do with YOUR church in Llano. We ask for continued protection for all of our churches as we continue to meet out of faith, even in the midst of this pandemic. We ask that you help us to be of one Spirit as we work to bring people to you. Help us to build relationships with our brothers and sisters of other denominations and backgrounds. Help us all to be your CHURCH in Llano.

In The Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit!
Amen!