Something has been bothering me since last Saturday, so I'm feeling quite blessed that the Lord led me to this verse today.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28
One of the places we took the kiddos to for Halloween was a local church Fall Festival. It wasn't the church that we are members of (our church had one the night before), but it's one that we visit every Halloween because they have an amazing walk through Bible journey. As my sister came to town for the evening, I really wanted her to walk through it with us.
As I wasn't familiar with any of the faces there I asked a woman, standing close by, if she knew if they were still doing tours of the Bible journey. The look that she gave me made me think that she must have thought that my words were so foul, that she'd need an entire roll of paper towels to clean them up. She responded with two words before walking away in a manner that made me scoop my jaw up off the ground. "I'm Methodist.".
Uhhhhhh, and? What kind of answer is that? We were standing in the same church weren't we? I was completely taken back by her tone and statement.
Sadly, I was unable to respond to her, and I've been kicking myself in the tush because of it. All week I've been thinking of things I should have said to her.
"Don't we worship the same God? Do you feel like you are superior to this particular church's denomination and, if so, why did you bring your child here for Halloween? Does being a different denomination mean that you can't answer my simple question with a simple yes or no....in a nicer tone? If I told you I was Methodist, would you be more polite?"
I was born and raised Baptist, but you probably wouldn't know it because I don't usually prounce around telling the world that I'm Baptist. In fact, that title means very little to me. I am a Christian, and a child of God. I have been Saved, and cleansed, and wrapped up in the Lord's presence in my heart. His grace and mercy suffice me. I read and believe, with full assurance, what the Bible tells me. I embrace the world as a whole, and enjoy venturing out of my little "Baptist" box to love on people of all races, cultures, and religions. Isn't that what Jesus did? Isn't that what we are supposed to be doing?
I am a Christian. I am one with the rest of the world (including my new Methodist sister), in Christ. Praises be to God. :0)
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28
Relishing in His goodness...
