Some people are so well known by certain actions that those actions become their "trademark". So now, when someone bows on one knee we call it "Tebowing", if you grew up in the 80's the "moonwalk" was more about Michael Jackson than Neil Armstrong and if someone visits Muskoka they expect it to be more laid back than the city.
So the question could be asked, "What is our church's trademark?"
What are we known for ... or what should we be known for?
Jesus left us a pretty clear trademark in John 13:34-35:
A new commandment I give to you,
that you love one another: just as I have loved you,
you also are to love one another.
By this all people will know that you are my disciples,
if you have love for one another.”
I guess this is the reason that I would say that I love my church. From the days when it was just a small group meeting in a living room to now that it is a church of nearly 400 and growing there has always been a heart of loving one another. And loving more than just in words but in action. The word Jesus chose to use in John 13 was the word 'agape' ... a love that is unconditional, self-sacrificing, active, volitional and thoughtful.
It is an unconditional action based love.
I have been in conversation with many over the past month about the community of Harvest Muskoka and what is always brought up -- more than the worship music, preaching, programs or unbelievably comfortable chairs :) -- is the uncommon love.
Just a few Sundays ago I shared with you all about your love in action in the amount of benevolence money that had come this past year. Here are some great quotes from some of the people who were loved by you in this very practical way:
"Once again I am in awe of my church family ... in so many ways my familly at Harvest has shown me unconditional love, compassion, encouragement and guidance through difficult times. Because of my church family's faithfulness, my faith is stronger and deeper. Because of Harvest I see God at work, feel his presence and know that I am not forgotten."
"We were so surprised to open the Christmas Card from Harvest to find gift cards for groceries.The tears came with grateful hearts as we stopped to pray and give all the glory and thanks to God for bringing us to your mind, for His faithfullness, answered prayer and for providing. We are so Blessed to have such a thoughtful caring church family."
"Thank you for your generosity and coming along side us recently on our journey with health issuues. We are still very much on it, but are so incredibly thankful for your support, love and prayers. So on behalf of our whole family we swing our arms wide to hug you and with everything in us we say, "Thank you". You made this mountain a little easier to climb and we will never forget it."
(Through tears) "This means more than you know. We are so blessed to not just have a church but to have a church FAMILY."
"Thank you so much! We had $14 in the bank and no idea how the next month was going to turn out. I prayed and wondered how God was going to answer. He answered with my church family!"
"This has been an incredibly difficult season for us with this sickness. Thank you for loving us through it with prayers and support. Your gift is not only going to be so helpful it is such a reminder of how loved we are by our Heavenly Father and the family he has given us at Harvest."
Here is the other amazing story I heard time and time again from benevolence that went out at Christmas time:
"Thank you for the grocery cards. We were able to have a great Christmas dinner we otherwise couldn't have had ... and we were able to buy a turkey for our neighbours who are struggling!"
"We were so blessed by our Harvest Family. We have already gave away half of it though! God is so good!!"
So I'll say it again, "I love my church!"
Thank you all for taking Jesus' words at face value, for living love not just talking about it, and for not thinking that the early church was "a different time." May the "trademark" of Harvest Muskoka be the trademark that Jesus left for us ... and the trademark that he lived in perfection. May we be a church that reflects the love of Jesus by continuing to be a church committed to unconditional love in action!
All for Christ,
Kaj