January 25, 2008

As many of you reading this know, I just returned from a twelve day trip to Bangkok, Thailand. To say that the adventure was amazing would be an understatement. I never tire of visiting new places, meeting new people, and experiencing new things. Bangkok is a mysterious combination of ancient practices alongside ultra-modern culture.  A special brand of Thai Buddhism permeates virtually all of society. Although Thailand is a democracy, the Thai kingdom is led by the longest reigning monarchy in the world.  The Thai king is truly an example of all that a good, benevolent monarch can be.  He is highly revered and sets many good examples for his people. This culture is mysterious, yet so wonderful to experience.

Amidst the mystery and wonder of Thailand I’ve found characteristics that cross all cultural barriers. People are very much the same all over the world.  They want the same things in life - to be happy and secure.  They love their families. They enjoy good friendships.  They love their country. They want to work at good jobs.  They want to help others.

And, they also experience exactly the same difficulties. In the few short days we shared with the students, we heard one student ask for prayers for her father who struggles with alcoholism, another student lost her beloved grandmother and they all struggle with the pressures of mid-term exams and shuffling jobs while trying to attend college. One student drinks too much and several struggle with self-esteem issues. Many are not sure what they want to do in life.  It sounds familiar doesn’t it?

Grapevine ministry provides two ingredients found only in God’s Church: First, it is a place where people can be open, honest, authentic, and accepted. Second, it is a place where Jesus Christ can put all of life, and especially eternal life, into perspective. Buddhism provides no basis for friendship and fellowship. There is no sense of community in Buddhism.  One is left on their own to work through life. Belief in Buddhism means that one can only hope to produce enough good works to tip the scales their direction so as to reincarnate into something a little better in the next life.

There is no greater hope, no greater purpose, no foundation for enjoying and helping one another through life.

It is a verifiable fact that people who are actively involved in a local church experience a happier life than those who are not. Why is this so?  In a good church family, we find a safe place to be authentic and find help and hope. In a good church we find real friendships and a place to share the joys and struggles of life. In a good church we do not bow to lifeless statues of creation, but we enter into a relationship with The Creator Himself who loves us without limit. If you are thinking that your local church is out of touch or unimportant, my advice is to visit Bangkok and learn of their culture. Watch thousands of people make offerings and burn incense to lifeless statues. Don’t worry about attending "temple" gatherings, because there are no gatherings to attend. You might find a greater appreciation for God, His Kingdom, and His Church. Local churches are far from perfection - they are full of imperfect people.  But isn’t that the point? Imperfect people allowing the Perfect God to work in their lives together as a community of faith - this is your local church. Maybe you would find a happier, more secure life as an active part of your local church family.  Why not attend worship this week - and bring a friend. You just might find what you’ve been looking for all along.

Sharing the Journey,
Pastor Don