The Good Shepherd

What does it mean to say that Jesus is the Good Shepherd? What do shepherds do, really? Shepherds take care of the sheep. They feed them, watch over them, and protect them from danger. Shepherds guide, showing the flock where the good places are and leading them away from the bad. But the sheep have their responsibilities, too. They have to listen. The sheep have to obey. If the shepherd tries to lead them away from a cliff and they insist on running straight toward it, they will die. They chose to. In John 10:27, Jesus says "My sheep hear my voice...I know them and they follow me." Listen. Do you hear it?

Because He First Loved Us

 Remember, in that you say and in all that you do, you are a child of God. This does not mean you can do whatever you like and get away with it, like some spoiled brat. This means that you are a member of the royal family and you are expected to act like it. What does your behavior, your dress, the way you talk to people tell others about Jesus and about Christianity? Ephesians 2:19 - "So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God."

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What Is Christianity?

While there are several groups that call themselves "Christian," those who follow the true Christian faith have certain core beliefs that have never changed. They believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. They believe in Jesus Christ, God's Son, who is Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. On the 3rd day, he arose from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. Jesus died for all of us, for our sins, the things we willfully do which separate us from God. Through Jesus, we again go back to God. Jesus died and was risen for our salvation. 

House of Prayer or Den of Thieves?

 One of the few stories which appears in all four of the Gospels is Jesus removing the moneychangers from the temple. There are many reasons why this story is important, but one aspect many people overlook is that each of us us also a temple of God. Jesus wants us to keep our churches pure, true, but he also wants us to keep ourselves, individual temples of God, pure. What do you have going on in your temple? Is it a house of prayer or a den of thieves?

Faith and Works

 Some Christians think all you need is faith to be saved. But that faith has to show itself in works as well. If you claim to be a Christian but do nothing which shows the love and influence of God in your life, then you are not only NOT living a Christian life, you are doing Jesus great harm in the eyes of others. If you lie, cheat others, hurt people, speak badly, and otherwise behave in cruel and immoral ways yet claim to be Christian, think about what kind of example you are showing the world about Jesus. 

 Zacchaeus the tax collector was a great sinner, but he decided that he wanted to see Jesus so much he climbed a tree to be better able to do so. Jesus rewarded him by recognition and by coming into his house, but Zacchaeus did not stop there. He also promised to give half of his possessions to the poor and repay anyone he had cheated three times over. His new faith showed in works. And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house".

Temple of God

 Everyone has heard of the idea that their bodies are temples of God. Many understand this in a narcissistic, vain way, devoting themselves to outward appearance. Some take this to mean they are better than others, and look down their noses at them. Both are wrong. Yes, you should take care of your body. Yes, Christians are the adopted children of the Lord and Creator of the universe, which is pretty special. 1 Corinthians says one cannot build a temple to God if the foundation, Jesus, is not there. It also says, "Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" The strength and beauty of the temple comes from God living in you. You don't have a temple if the foundation is not built on Jesus. You show that you are a temple of God by showering the love of God on others.

Will

 Christ does not force our will, He only takes what we give Him. But He does not give Himself entirely until He sees that we yield ourselves entirely to Him.

-- St Teresa of Avila

I'm Not Good Enough

 Sometimes Christians, or those thinking of becoming Christians, feel they are not good enough. They negin to avoid church or helping others because they feel like impostors. Who am I to talk about God? Who am I to help at the church? I'm not perfect. 

True, you shouldn't pretend to be something you are not, and true, Christians should always be striving toward holiness. But to say you cannot go to church or become a Christian because you're not good enough is like saying you're not well enough to go to the doctor. That's what they're there for, to help you get better, to become perfect, to become a saint. Saints were not born perfect. Saints are sinners who just never gave up.

Sometimes It's OK to Say "No"

 Christians are called to serve. They should serve each other, their families, their churches, the community, and the world. But too often Christians think that unless they are doing big things, they are not serving. They sign up for every activity at church and then neglect their work and their families. You can't do everything. Take stock of what you can honestly accomplish and still have time for your family and yourself. Burning yourself out will not help anyone. Volunteering for a good cause and then quitting after two weeks because you can't fit everything in is not serving. You don't have to accomplish huge things in your life. You just have to make everything you do, no matter how small, an act of love.