Being the church
Posted on Sep 27, 2018 by
Mark 9:38-50 Common English Bible (CEB)
38 John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone throwing demons out in your name, and we tried to stop him because he wasn’t following us.”
39 Jesus replied, “Don’t stop him. No one who does powerful acts in my name can quickly turn around and curse me.40 Whoever isn’t against us is for us.41 I assure you that whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will certainly be rewarded.
42 “As for whoever causes these little ones who believe in me to trip and fall into sin, it would be better for them to have a huge stone hung around their necks and to be thrown into the lake.43 If your hand causes you to fall into sin, chop it off. It’s better for you to enter into life crippled than to go away with two hands into the fire of hell, which can’t be put out.a]" style="box-sizing: border-box">45 If your foot causes you to fall into sin, chop it off. It’s better for you to enter life lame than to be thrown into hell with two feet.b]" style="box-sizing: border-box">47 If your eye causes you to fall into sin, tear it out. It’s better for you to enter God’s kingdom with one eye than to be thrown into hell with two.48 That’s a place where worms don’t die and the fire never goes out.c]" style="box-sizing: border-box"> 49 Everyone will be salted with fire.50 Salt is good; but if salt loses its saltiness, how will it become salty again? Maintain salt among yourselves and keep peace with each other.”
A strong community enhances the lives of its members. The community is a place of identity, where people have a sense of belonging because they are known and recognized. The community provides protection and support, shapes values, and provides cultural norms.
But there are risks in a strong community. A strong community may be so focused on itself that is loses the capacity to relate to those outside. How do we keep the integrity of our own community without isolating ourselves from others? The first followers of Jesus were confronted with this dilemma in this week’s scripture.
So who are we at Salem? Is church only church if it’s done the way we always have done it? Are good church folk only given that title if they look and act like us? How well do we invite people into our ministry as partners?
I have seen Salem collaborate well with other people of faith for Pantry Pack and community events. I love that we are RIC (Reconciling In Christ), and I can’t wait to see all of the ways we live into that.
Our young people were the leaders of our worship this Sunday, and it was awesome! They are great examples of a strong community that is still able to relate to and reach out to folks that aren’t like them. If you haven’t had a chance, strike up a convo with some of our young folks about their mission trip experiences. You’ll be glad you did!
Emily Nelson Dixon
Director of Teen Ministries and Outreach