What a profound statement!  How do you harmonize such a dichotomy?  Why is it that people have a tendency to only see one or the other?  The naysayer, negative, critical, cynic can only see that life sucks.  On the other hand, there is the Pollyanna, sunshine pumper, truth denying, religious wacko who says they can only see the good.  The truth is, as is often the case, found somewhere in the middle of the two extremes. 

We live in a world that truly has events in it that suck.  There are times that genuinely suck…please, let’s just be honest about it!  When a predator child molester systematically rapes an 8 year old girl and then throws her into a garbage bag and buries her alive….life sucks!  When a young man dies of cancer leaving a wife and two children… life sucks. 

Jesus gave us a balanced view of this world too when He said, in this world you will have troubles, but I have overcome the world!  So just when the evil part of this world is about to suck you into a black hole of despair, Jesus promises to deliver you from evil.  Don’t let anyone try to convince you that life on earth is hell.  Hell would be the total absence of good.  There is a presence of good in this world.  God is present in this world.  He is our source of love, joy, peace, compassion, kindness and all that is good in this world.  He will see us through the sucky experiences of this world. 

No matter what life throws you, know this, you can do all things through Him who will give you strength!  Having a balanced view will also help you and I to be more compassionate to those who are experiencing the sucky things of life.   Oh yes, life sucks, but God is good, all the time!

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing.”  Philippian 2:14

 A church in Missouri is taking this passage very seriously.  Check it out:

http://ccunitykc.org/

It’s amazing how easy it is to lose sight of your goal in life.  In the hustle and bustle of raising families, working a career, being involved in your local community and serving in your church family, we can all lose focus of what it is all about….even pastors!

A few weeks ago, while attending one of the best church seminars I’ve ever attended, Brad Powell, Lead Pastor for one of the fastest growing churches in America, helped me see clearly again.  As a direct result of that inspiring seminar I can put my vision into clear, concise words that explain what we, disciples of Jesus, are all about:

“To be a community of faith that is introducing people to Jesus and

helping them fall in love with Him.”

Jesus, through His body the church, is the hope of the world!  (That is…. when the church is working right!)  Man, do I feel a sermon series coming on!  Come on church, let’s be the body of Christ!