You.

Carry each other's burdens. Galatians six two one rainy morning I went to the store drenched by rain, buffeted by wind and nearly washed away by raging torrents in the streets, I found myself sharing the sidewalk with two sparrows taking shelter from the same elements. Though able to fly, my two feathered companions in misery elected to walk, perhaps hoping to avoid the nastiness all around. Normally wary of humans, these birds accepted a mutual truce made necessary by weather not fit for man nor bird, with the exception of ducks, of course. A common crisis like the rainstorm just mentioned or the flood in Noah's day often brings different species together. The usual hostilities that exist under normal conditions are in the crisis laid aside. That is why sparrows share a sidewalk with a man and why lions shut up in Noah's ark during the flood posed no threat to lambs that were also shut up in the ark. When facing a common crisis, cooperation and survival replace hostility. The Lord wants no less. In his church, christians face common storms, fears and troubles in life. We are all in the same boat and come to church seeking hope, comfort, refuge and support. In churches where lives are really shared with others, encouragement and cooperation replace criticism and hostility that would threaten the unity and survival of those churches. What does your church offer those who are struggling with the issues of life? Do people find hostility and criticism, or are they allowed to share the sidewalk with you as you weather the storm together?

This has been your thought for the day with Steve Burkham, pastor of Community Christian Church in Stockton, California. If you have questions or comments for Pastor Steve, please send them to [email protected] have a great day, and we hope you'll join us tomorrow as Pastor Steve opens God's word word to bring us another thought for the dayton.