Todays blog is and excerpt from the book, Changing My Mind. You can purchase a copy HERE. 

A few years ago, a pastor told me his disappointing story. His congregation had not accepted the new man an illness forced him to become. No caring. No true compassion. His lack of faith had caused it all, they assumed. Maybe, some thought, a hidden sin should be blamed for his illness.

He changed careers and later asked me, “How did your church walk with you through your struggle?” I’m not sure how I answered, because I’m not sure how they did it. But I’m sure of this: Church should be a family affair, not a war zone or a power struggle. A family of unique but related team players who do what is best for one another and for the building of His Kingdom. Isn’t that it? Isn’t that what Jesus expects of His body?

For better and for worse. When rich or when poor. In sickness and in health. Until death shall part us. Debbie had stated similar vows when we were married. My boys hadn’t voiced such phrases, but their commitment was expected. They lived out unspoken vows, even during the worse and poor and sickness seasons.

Some in our congregation couldn’t take it. They left when we needed them the most. But I can’t be angry. I could hardly take it myself.

How shall God show His love? Would He choose to take sinful, selfish people and buy them for His own? Would He then decide to allow them to display His love by caring for one another?

It doesn’t sound like a successful tactic for taking over the world, but it is God’s plan. Placing messed-up people all together and telling them to love one another; telling the healthy to love the sick; informing the happy to hold the sad; instructing the wealthy to support the poor—what a strange strategy! I don’t think God would get elected to office.

But I saw His plan in action.