Reaching Up, Reaching Out

Reaching up. Reaching out.

Those four simple words really sum up what some folks call "The Greatest Commandment." When asked what was REALLY most important, Jesus stated very simply that we're to do these two things. "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength...Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:29-31 NLT).

Reaching up. Reaching out.

As Dr. Phil would say, "How's that workin' out for you?" How's your love for Jesus? How's your love for people? I think that's something we need to continually ask ourselves.

As a general rule, I think we do an AWESOME job of reaching up. This is a church that has a passion for singing His praises and spending time in His presence when we gather. I think we do a pretty good job of reaching out and loving our brothers and sisters in Christ at FRCC. That's great because Jesus said others will know that we're His followers through our love for each other (John 13:35).

Can I be honest with you? I think we've struggled with reaching out to folks OUTSIDE our church family. Notice how I said "we." I'm just as guilty as anyone. We must start looking outside ourselves. Without realizing it, we've become a little "Freedom River focused." And that's not healthy. Hey, it's easy to do consider all that we've been through.

Over the coming weeks, you'll start seeing opportunities to reach out...as a church, as small groups, as individuals. Sometimes these will be chances to share Jesus with folks. Other times it will simply be an opportunity to spread a little salt and shine a little light.

Be praying about what you can do...to reach up, to reach out.

In Christ,
Jay