Some years ago there was a comedian who had as his trademark statement, “how sweet it is.” If something unusually good happened, he would always smile and say “how sweet it is”. I feel like quoting him when I see Christians working together and sharing in the work of the Kingdom of God. When churches finally discover that they are all on the same team and do not have to compete, I want to say, “how sweet it is”.
The “heart unity” of true believers is precious. It reminds me of Psalm 133:1-2, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard.” We are joined at the heart!
The people of God united in praise of their Savior evokes many good feelings. Hostility, division, suspicion, exclusiveness are replaced with warmth, oneness, openness and inclusiveness. A neat thing about Christian concerts in a stadium setting is that you have this massed group of Christians having a great time in the Lord. It is like a giant pep rally and we need more of those. That same feeling of oneness needs then to be carried back to the local congregations and not lose the glow.
Sometimes Christians begin to feel alone and helpless because we are a minority and it is good to get the boost of meeting other players on the “Christian” team. I hope your Church service today was a great pep rally for you and built up your spiritual strength. Just remember that the inspiration you received in worship today was just that; it was inspiration and not the real ball game. Its not how great you feel in your worship experience but how you walk the lifestyle when it is over.
Inspiration and perspiration are both important to the Christian life. Biblically, you can’t have one without the other. The witness of the church in the community is gauged by the effectiveness of the life outside the church building not just by how sweet the music was inside the service.
“How sweet it is” when Christians take seriously the call of Jesus to be the “salt of the earth and the light of the world.” “How sweet it is” when Christians are determined to make the world a better place to live by their presence. “How sweet it is” when Christians link arms and march against the forces of prejudice, racism, injustice, and war. “How sweet it is” when Christians focus on what unites rather than what differentiates.
Just remember constantly: there is only One Lord!
“Sweet Jesus, may we be sweet to our brothers and sisters in the
faith and also to everyone we meet. Let us give them hope! Amen”
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