It's about the people!

One of the first things I had to come to terms with as a pastor was my need to develop stronger people skills. I’m reminded of what Jesus said just before He was crucified:

John 13:34-35 (NKJV)
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

and later

John 14:15 (NKJV)
If you love Me, keep My commandments.

and

John 15:9-12 (NKJV)
As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

In other words, the church is about love. Teaching has its place, singing has its place, spiritual gifts have their place (1 Corinthians 14:26), but they have to be in the framework of love for God and love for people (1 Corinthians 13, Luke 10:27).

Today I read this quote today from USA Today:

The first German pope of the modern era took the helm of the Catholic church after 24 years in the backroom of power with a clear design: to make its 1.1 billion member flock more in line with church teaching even at the cost of shedding members and without catering to the mass media.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2010-04-16-pope-anniversary-abuse_N.htm

I will not criticize the Pope, who has been serving God longer than I’ve been alive. But to see such a goal makes me sad.

Doug