What we do matters, what we do not do matters, what we say or do not say matters. The relationships we nurture, starve, push away, or draw close, matter to each of us and even more importantly, to God.

All these things are consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ. When the heart stops, the last breath pushed out, the above mentioned will have mattered. The words and actions of our life will have left something good behind, or maybe something bitter, ugly, or simply unhealthy. Most of us will leave some of both.

I like to think that I am a practicing human being. I am earnestly practicing being the person God created me to be. And yes, I know, I have a long way to go. But experience and faith have shown me how far I have come and likewise how far I can go. I believe that is important. Because, well, what we say, and do matters to God and the world around us. And it needs to matter to each of us.

From the book of James: 1 ²⁶ If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. ²⁷ Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world….3 ¹⁶ For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. ¹⁷ But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. ¹⁸ And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.

Each of us is a beloved creation of Almighty God. This alone makes us important. And it makes what we say and do important as well.

May the Grace and Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you!

Pastor Rick