THINKING OUT LOUD! 6/23/13

JIM AND I went to a dance yesterday! Lot’s of twirling, and shuffling with a two step off and on, followed by a bow here and a curtsy there. Everyone was moving to the rhythm of the music, keeping pace and having a good time. We would stop long enough to chat, because a little visiting never hurts.


THERE WAS work on the grounds, there was work on the buildings, there was lots of cleaning going on. Tables were scrubbed, removing lots of glue; while the lawns were mowed and the weeds were pulled. Flower beds were cleaned up, and a few trees were pruned and all the while there was laughter and lots of smiles exchanged between the brothers and the sisters.

THE PAINTERS began preparation as primer was put on door frames and texture was applied to some walls, even a coat of paint was put on an area outside the building and the Lord smiled down on all the dancers and was pleased!

BEFORE TODAY, there was another kind of dance going on. It took place in the class rooms as teachers taught their lessons; Bills were being paid; the news letter was prepared; prayers were being said; the scriptures were read; the Church secretary was in her place; communion was prepared and served; there was the teaching of the Gospel and fellowship was shared. People were being called upon; there were mid-week bible studies; the sick were visited and lots of encouragement was in the mix. The musicians were tuned up as the worship team led the worship service; the nursery and the children’s church was in full swing.

ANY ACTIVITY that does not support the Gospel produces discord. Failure to do the work regularly confuses the rhythm of the song. How do you respond when a singer sings a bad note? If it’s bad enough it can make you cringe! “Jesus is the cornerstone!” The church dance should never make anyone cringe.

PICTURE yourself as part of the “the dance”. Where are you in the dance? Taking the Lead? Holding back in fear? In rhythm with others? Stumbling, feeling you have two “left feet?” Are others out of sync with you? Are you a “wall flower,” watching but never participating? Reflect on what fears and sins and faulty steps keep you from joining joyfully in the graceful dance of the people of God. Confess those fears and sins and missteps to God. Giving thanks that God in Christ Jesus covers over those sins through the cross and calls you again to the dance!

THERE IS love in this place! Do you hear it? It’s the church dancing to the rhythm of God’s leading. The Gospel is the melody and any activity that supports it is the harmony. Faithfulness to do the work promptly is the rhythm and when everything is done in harmony and regularly, the dance is beautiful. “Finally all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love of the brethren, a tender heart and a humbled mind!” 1 Peter 3:8     Don’t try dancing alone! If you lead, then lead, but if you are to follow, then follow. Do all in one spirit, and to the glory of God!

OUR TALENTS are gifts from God! We use our talents as gifts from us to others. As we follow the rhythm and music of the Spirit, our talents join in the graceful dance of the people of God. We are partners in a dance, where God is the only important spectator. “Then let us no more pass judgment on one another, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.” Romans 14:3    Don’t step on the toes of others. Be the kind of partner that God desires!

WHEN WE LOOK at the perfect unison of water ballet it takes our breath away. When God looks down at His people and watches them in perfect unison doing the work that He has assigned the church; I imagine it takes His breath away! What we accomplish together, far out weighs anything we can do alone! Yes, Jim and I went to a dance and I know God was pleased!     By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/22/13