#25 Thoughts from the Back Deck...


Are people able to love others that don't know Jesus? Yes. Are people able to comfort others that don't know Jesus? Yes. Are people able to participate in life and live what seems meaningful lives with others apart from Jesus? Yes, It seems so. How about affection, sympathy...the whole array of human emotions? Yes. Yes. And...Yes. 
Then why do we need Jesus?

Philippians 2:1-2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

The obvious Sunday School answer is we are sinful people and have an eternal soul. We need Jesus' forgiveness and gift of grace to save us from our sins. 

But Jesus is more. 
Jesus gives more. 
When I had shoulder surgery last week pre-op was a solid hour long and I was the first person outside of staff there,  the first patient, and the first surgery of the day. 
1st face: Desk check-in Fill out and affirm a set of questions (done before!)

2nd face: Called to door to enter operation pre-op: name, D.O.B. Right shoulder surgery

3rd face: same set of questions, name, D.O.B., last food, meds, right shoulder, allergies...

4th face head anesthesiologist: same set of questions and a few extras

5th face: Assisting surgeon, the same set of questions and signs my right shoulder with a marker.

6th face: assistant to anesthesiology,  same questions plus IV placed

....anesthesiologist, double checks everything sets a saline drip, double checks everything...

...O.R. Nurse, same

...Safety nurse, same

...Surgeon, same

...Transport team, same

I began to wonder if this was a memory test I was asked my name, D.O.B, what shoulder, and when I last ate or drank anything. But...
It was a group of people coming together all with one objective: a successful surgery on the correct person, on the correct body part, checked and rechecked... "being in full accord and of one mind." as they enter the O.R.

We love others (or not) for all kinds of reasons. Comfort others, participate in life, have affection, sympathy...the whole array of human emotions for all kinds of reasons and desired outcomes. 

Jesus does these things for one reason. For a single purpose. Being in one mind with the Father.

As followers of Jesus, and by the work of the Holy Spirit, things align in our hearts, minds, and souls with what is in Jesus' heart and mind and soul. 

We are becoming complete in joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord, and of one mind with Jesus.

We see the most important thing in life is Jesus and his focus is fully on you. 

Peace
Andy

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