So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. – Colossians 6:6-7

Today's Scripture Reading (May 31, 2024):  Colossians 2

Okay, I admit that I like the 1991 western comedy "City Slickers." But beyond the laughs, I think there is one profound concept in the movie to which we need to pay a little more attention. It is found in an early conversation between Curley (Jack Palance) and Mitch (Billy Crystal).

Curley - You all come out here about the same age. Same problems. Spend fifty weeks a year getting knots in your rope - then you think two weeks up here will untie them for you. None of you get it. Do you know what the secret to life is?"

Mitch - No, what?

Curley - This. (Curley holds up his index finger.)

Mitch - Your finger?

Curley - One thing. Just one thing. You stick to that and everything else don't mean anything.

Mitch - That's great, but what's the one thing?

Curley - That's what you've got to figure out."

What Curley insists is true for Mitch and all the other people with "knots in your rope" is also true for the Christian Church. Paul insists that the one thing in the church is Jesus. Sometimes, it seems like other things are essential, but they are all mirages; there is only one thing (I am holding up my index finger): Jesus.

We are to live our lives rooted in Christ. If we do that, it is enough. If we lived and loved like Jesus, then this world would be a better place. However, one crucial question is how the community actually views us. Several years ago, I went to a conference, and they tried to answer that question. I don't think that anything has changed. Here are a couple of the responses.

The church is a parasite. It owns the best property, pays no taxes, and helps no one (San Francisco, California).

The church doesn't contribute anything to the community (Plano, Texas). 

What's happened? It could be that we have been living our priority of Christ in front of the nations, and they have rejected us because of that focus. And if that is the answer, I don't mind the response. But I don't believe that is the truth. I think we haven't personally lived Christ out in our own lives, and we haven't been living Christ in the community. We have lost sight of the one thing. As a result, we are failing at our mission. And rather than being filled with thankfulness, it is bitterness that the world sees. And if the church is to continue, that has to change.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Colossians 3