This last week, the parsonage was without air conditioning twice.  (This is not a complaint).  The first time was a breakdown, which the trustees worked quickly to deal with. The second was due to a power outage that some of you may have experienced. 

In the first case, the unit suffered a malfunctioning part; after identifying the issue, the technician was able to repair the air conditioner, and the house cooled down and functioned as it was designed to.

In the second instance, the house was separated from the grid or the primary power source. In that case, nothing in the house worked until I connected it to a temporary generator. The house had lights and some systems that functioned, but it did not have air conditioning, hot water, or a stove. 

In both cases, everything looked normal outside, but things were heating up inside, including the people. The house was uncomfortable and limping but was not functioning as it should.

This is the same for us individually and as a church. 

If we are ill or one of our members is malfunctioning, we do not function as we are designed to and have trouble accomplishing our purpose.  (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

The same is true for us if we are cut off from the power source for our lives. (John 15:5-11)

That is why the church needs to care for one another so that we are all working together in our area and the church body is healthy.  Likewise, we are called to stay connected to Christ Jesus through the Holy Spirit, who strengthens and empowers us so that we do not try and rely on our power.  If we do, we may look ok for a while, even while we are dying inside.

These are my thoughts as I give thanks for air conditioning (when it works) during this heat wave.

Peace,

Pastor Burt