Photo by chris liu on Unsplash

“See the holy in the ordinary,” encourages author and theologian Diana Butler Bass. As we conclude our “Created to Be” series this weekend, we’re called to remember the ways in which we seek to follow Jesus’ lead. We need Jesus, just as the world needs us. We are created to be disciples, ones who follow and encourage others onto the same path.

On Sunday, we’ll tune into Matthew 22:36-40 and 1 John 4:19. In Matthew, Jesus summarizes the law with two commandments: to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. In 1 John, we are reminded that we love because God first loved us.

In a culture increasingly skeptical of religion and those who openly practice their faith, discipleship can seem daunting. Yet, these scriptures offer a timeless blueprint for living as modern disciples. At its core, discipleship is about embodying the love of Jesus in our daily lives. It’s about nurturing a deep, personal relationship with God and allowing that love to overflow into our interactions with others.

Discipleship in the modern era calls for authenticity and humility. It means living out our faith not just in words but in actions—demonstrating kindness, compassion, and justice in a world that often lacks these qualities. By finding and sharing God’s presence in the everyday moments of life, we embrace the holy in the ordinary.

In a skeptical world, our love and actions speak volumes. By serving others selflessly, standing up for justice, and extending grace, we become living testaments to the transformative power of God’s love. As disciples, we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ, reflecting Jesus’ light and love in all we do.

May God’s peace find you today. -Pastor Peter

Let us pray… Creator God, give us the strength and wisdom to be true disciples, loving you and our neighbors with all our hearts, and living out our faith with grace and authenticity. Amen.