"Let's read Ol' Lucky's horoscope and see what's in the stars today." his senior hoseman prodded. The others agreed unanimously. "Taurus: Today is a 10. With the fragrance of romance still lingering in the air, the passion continues to burn on the homefront. Financial stability provides assurance of security." Laughter filled the air to deafening levels. Some fell to the floor, too weak to stand. Two others mock sparred, aping the fight scene they had witnessed the other day at the station family picnic."Let's take another look at those hot, passionate hickies you are trying to disguise as bruises, Killer!" "Ha. Ha. Very funny. Regular Richard Pryor Comedy Club around here." Clay Ennis Hand shot back, shaking his head in defeat.Things weren't exactly peaches 'n cream at home after another errant tongue episode, and since he was still new on the job, was waiting on a step raise so they could afford to eat a little better than Ramen noodles and Vienna sausages.The bells rang out three times, indicating the engine, ladder, and the battalion chief would be needed. They dispersed from around the dining table and ran for the trucks, their half-full cups of coffee still steaming. It was shift change as Clay's shift was just coming on. Most of his crew had not yet arrived so he was going out with a different crew."In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." (Rom. 12:5) It seems all too common to find church members running to and fro, trying to make it to their next appointment of commitment. These people appear to be doing all of the work as they tackle more and more projects. Maybe if more of us shared in the active programs of the church, we would see less ineffective results as one person can not do it by themselves. You see, God is more interested in who we are than what we are doing. His greatest desire is to have an intimate love relationship with us. Jesus confirmed this when asked what was the greatest commandment. We are to love God with all we have. From this situation, God works.We should understand that if Christ is the Head of our church, we need to individually seek His will for the church. He has given the same Spirit to all believers and thus speaks to all members of the church, not just the pastors. It is important for each member to pray to understand God's direction and leading for the church. Then our involvement in activities to support church functions finds its full potential - for others to see God working and to draw near to Him; not to see stressed-out, busy-bodies just going through the motions. When others see results only explained by God's intervention, they come to know God.Blackaby encourages us, as God's church, to rid ourselves of all that keeps us from being holy and pure. We should also seek unity of purpose and show love for others. These traits are impossible to acquire by human efforts. It must start with our personal relationship with Christ. At it's inception, we are given the Holy Spirit. He is the only motivator that can bring these traits to become real. He is the only reason we could even attempt to be pure, holy, and loving. Then we have achieved success as servants in the church because we are partcipating in God's perfect plan to allow others to see the miracle of God working and affecting lives in a unique, personal way. To God be the glory.Next week: Unit 11.
