In case you haven’t already heard or seen, we’re living in a world that seems hell-bent on collapsing into itself. Between the political fragility that seems to be getting more fragile every day, the rise and fall of leaders who each bring their own brand of chaos, the churning economic scene and the daily revelations of horrific sexual, physical and emotional abuse enacted against children, it’s downright scary. Even the earth is groaning under the influences of drought, flooding and not-normal storms.
In our house, we’ve been struggling with ugly colds, a clear indication that our dependence on the annual flu shot doesn’t ensure immunity to everything. In an attempt to lighten up this subject, I decided to spend some Google time looking for a humorous look at the schisms that too often fracture churches. Here’s a groaner but hopefully it will get my point across:
One day in the South Pacific, a navy ship Captain saw smoke coming from a hut on an uncharted island. Upon arriving at the shore they were met by a shipwreck survivor.
He said, "I'm so glad you're here! I've been alone on this island for more than five years!"
The captain replied, "If you're all alone on the island why do I see THREE huts."
The survivor said, "Oh well, I live in one, and go to church in another."
"What about the THIRD hut?" asked the Captain.
"That's where I USED to go to church."
“Gracious hostility” someone else called it but nonetheless we sometimes let our own opinions and grudges separate us from the ones we most need for fellowship and support. Here is one of the Apostle Paul’s admonitions to Christians of every generation: “Finally brethren…. be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
Amen.
