The Way (08/11/2025)

My husband and I have a fairly large home, so we have to chuckle when we find ourselves trying to utilize the same spot at the same time, most especially between the kitchen island counter and the refrigerator. It is funny. I won’t see my husband for hours, and then just when I start to make dinner, he’s right there where I need to be. But he tells me that I’m doing the same thing. And then we laugh.

As disciples of Christ, we are called to Him who is “the Way.” We are called to follow in His footsteps. We are called to meet others along the Way and to accompany them lovingly. But I think we might need to look at how that’s working in our modern world. As I was watching the news the other day, I began to see where we are getting in one another’s way rather than meeting one another on the way. With our judgments and our rhetoric, we are becoming stumbling blocks rather than building blocks in the essential relationships between ourselves and us and the LORD. And I think we may need to step back and consider our approach.

And I see it happening also on social media. We are missing the point of the mission, which is a loving mission. It’s not about “likes” - it's all about love.

As I was considering this, I remembered the great apostle Paul and his wise words to the Philippians in chapter 4: 4-9:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.

As followers of Christ, are we not called to be bridges rather than stumbling blocks? As followers of Christ, are we not called to bring people to Christ and Christ to people rather than push them away with judgment and anger?

When we stand with Christ, we stand for someone. It’s more than a thing or a tenet; we stand with Jesus. And if we’ve read more than one chapter of any gospel, we know that Christ stood for loving relationship with the Father and with one another. We know that He gave His life for us all, not just some. If we are having trouble getting along with our neighbors, we should pray for them, of course, but should we not also pray for ourselves and an openness to the Spirit who is sent to guide us during this age?

As we go forward, let us consider always if our behaviors are true, honorable, just, pure and lovely. As we go forward, seeking to keep a close eye and focused mind on our Savior and an open heart to our sisters and brothers, let us pray for the Spirit’s guidance so that we might be bridges and not stumbling blocks to others along the Way, that we might be companions on the Way rather than obstacles in the way.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.