What topic tends to dominate your thoughts when you are tossing and turning in bed? Are you worried and distraught over past due bills, making ends meet, saving for the kids’ college, and putting food on the table? Do you find yourself wrestling with envy over what others have or dreaming of the perfect car, vacation, or beach home?

As you read this passage, you can almost feel the crowd of people inch a little closer when they hear the rich, young ruler’s question for Jesus. Even though they were captivated by His miracles, finding out the answer to this question…

King David, the author of Psalm 138 & 139, speaks of giving thanks to God with his WHOLE heart. He invites God to search it COMPLETELY. Not selective parts. Not just what is convenient and cleaned up. Not merely those places that are safe and require little to no vulnerability. 

Just like people, money is something we all have a relationship with. But here's the thing: our relationship with money is as unique as each one of us. You see, money isn't just paper bills, electronic debit cards, and metal coins; it reflects our values, priorities, and fears. It can bring out the best and the worst in us, depending on how we choose to engage with it.

If money were a person, what would your relationship with them look like? Would it be a strained, complicated bond or a healthy, thriving connection? Fear can create distance, avoidance can lead to neglect, and pride and arrogance can strain our finances like a bad breakup. Discontentment can keep us constantly chasing more, and selfishness can turn us into emotional spenders. These money struggles are common and relatable, but there's hope. Like any relationship, our connection with money can be formed and shaped!

Today, I want to dive into a topic that lies at the heart of what it means to be a community of faith—a concept that can potentially transform our lives and the world around us. You see, unity isn't some lofty, unattainable goal. It's a practical, tangible expression of love in action. Mutual concern makes that love visible and sets it in motion.

Life is a grand adventure, filled with twists and turns, but the relationships we build are the heart of it all. But here's the thing: these relationships are not always convenient. No, they often entail a cost – a cost that's worth every penny, every ounce of effort.

In these words from the Apostle Paul, we find a simple yet profound exhortation to guide our daily lives as followers of Christ. His words beautifully capture the essence of Christian living in just a few sentences. Sol, let's dive into each of these elements and discover how they can shape our spiritual journey and our relationships with one another.

Trust is a precious commodity in the bustling streets of our modern world. We seem to live in an age where trust is fragile and easily broken. But as we navigate this complex terrain, let us turn to the timeless wisdom of Scripture, especially the words of the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13 and Galatians 5, to guide us in cultivating trust in our lives.

As it stands, the academy sees Christianity as a faith that is hyper-focused on thinking the “right things” rather than living out moral principles. People outside the Church see us with our heads stuck in our Bibles, but they don’t see us act on the wisdom we find there.

If we’re hoping to see good in the world, we’ll catch glimpses of joy, beauty, and forgiveness. But, on the flip side, if we view the world through a lens of cynicism and negativity, our eyes won’t be disappointed. We always find what we’re looking for. 

Our world is more connected than ever through the wonders of technology, yet the epidemic of loneliness continues to spread like wildfire. Loneliness is often viewed as a personal failure, a weakness, or a testament to our inability to connect with others. But what if we shift our perspective and see loneliness as a sign that we are meant for companionship and shared experiences?

It was a beautiful and sunny day at the beach. The air was crisp, the sand was hot, and the sea was blue. My daughter and I were catching waves on our boogie boards, laughing it up. She was little then, maybe 5 or 6 years old, and could only see the wave coming at us, nothing beyond. I, however, being much bigger than her, could see farther out and had a good view of other waves rolling in…

Throughout the stories in the Bible, the table plays a vital role, symbolizing something much more profound than just a piece of furniture. It's a powerful image communicating a sense of belonging, community, and shared ownership. Think about how, in the beginning, God welcomed humanity to the table by allowing them to enjoy the fruit of the garden. Even in the wilderness, when the Israelites were wandering, they received manna from heaven at their communal table.

From the outside looking in, Christianity can look like a farce that was conjured up to bring hurting people solace in their distress. Though, walking with God is not just comforting—it is challenging. God’s desires for us are often incongruent with what we desire for ourselves. He regularly commands us to do what we don’t feel like doing. Our instinct is to rush, rather than rest; hold onto bitterness, rather than forgive; to go our own way, rather than obey.

Life is a journey full of unexpected twists, isn't it? We face moments of joy that make us want to dance and times of challenge that leave us wondering where God is in all of it. But here's the key: Gratitude isn't just about what's happening around us; it's about what's happening within us.

In a world often enamored with self-promotion and personal gain, embracing humility through the lens of Jesus challenges us to live counter-culturally. By imitating His humility, we open ourselves to deeper relationships, authentic community, and a life aligned with the purpose God has for us.

Moments arise when our understanding falls short, and uncertainty shrouds our path. Life knocks us off our feet; circumstances don't turn out as we hoped, or we don't know which way to turn. We find ourselves with more questions than answers, uncertain of our next step. In these junctures, we're called to embrace the timeless wisdom of Proverbs 3:5-6 and practice the spiritual habit of trusting in the Lord.

In a world that celebrates individualism, we are called to be countercultural. The Scriptures remind us that our faith isn't just "me and Jesus." It's about "us in Jesus." From the beginning, God intended to create a family, a community of believers who would support, challenge, and uplift one another. We are designed for connection because our Creator is a relational God. Connection begins with consideration.

Today, we'll consider how the transformation we desire involves looking outside ourselves and humbly serving those around us. It's easy to become consumed by our own needs and ambitions, allowing our hearts to shrink into a narrow focus on ourselves. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to break free from this self-centered mindset and let our hearts expand to embrace the needs and concerns of others.