Back to School

Pause

School has begun, and in a few short weeks, the blissful days of summer are going to come to an end. The weather will turn cooler, the shadows deeper, and the busyness of the new school year will really take over.

Though each school year promises exciting opportunities to meet new people and build new relationships at school, pause for a moment and consider the relationships that you share with others in your faith community.

Listen

I pray they will be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. I pray that they also will be in us, so that the world will believe that you sent me. I’ve given them the glory that you gave me so that they can be one just as we are one. I’m in them and you are in me so that they will be made perfectly one. Then the world will know that you sent me and that you have loved them just as you loved me.

John 17:21-23

Think

In the church, we sometimes use the phrase “invite Jesus into our hearts.” The idea behind this comes from various places in Scripture and is meant to help us imagine Christ living in and through us. Sometimes, however, we forget that Christ is not only in us, but that we are also in him. And, in Christ is where we’re reconciled to God.

This is really great news, and we should remember that we’re not the only ones to be reconciled to God in Christ. All those who come to God, acknowledging Christ as their savior, find new life. Every week, we journey with those who share in this reconciliation with God. They are our spiritual brothers and sisters, and we are called to walk with them as well. As you end this week, consider how important the people in your church are for your faith as you are becoming more like Christ.

Jason Santos

Pray

God within us, may our spirits be found in you. Thank you for reconciling us through Christ. Help us to reconcile with others — both those who know you and those who do not. Allow your love to fill us to overflowing as your church proclaims your grace. In Christ’s name, amen.

Go

Okay … now seize this day and those wonderful relationships you have in your church by sharing a moment with someone from your faith community. As you begin this transition to the next season, try sharing it with someone close to you.