It's 12:51 a.m. Everyone else went to
bed at least an hour ago. As I sit here on my bed, the only thought
that keeps me from shutting my eyes and falling asleep is one of The
Church.

I'm taken back to Africa. I think about
my lifetime of missions and all the relationships that have come from
it. I remember all the struggles for control and the disputes over
who's right or wrong that I've gotten to experience. I eventually end
up back where I started, the Church. Most days I feel like the parent
telling his children to just stop bickering!

The Church. We've allowed ourselves to
become so wrapped up with who's right and wrong, that we've forgotten
that Jesus commanded us to LOVE ONE ANOTHER! We've gotten so caught
up in the political, so focused on control, that we've forgotten that
we are one body, THE BRIDE OF CHRIST! But most of all, we've opened
the door to a spirit of religion so great, that we've forgotten to
SEE THE GREATNESS IN EACH OTHER!

Christ died for one Church. A Church of
Love, not pride. A Church in Unity, not power-thirsty. A Church of
Great Sons and Daughters of the King, not religious illegitimate
children.

We are the Church. So, let us not
forget any longer.

Jon