By John A. Huffman Jr.
Pastor of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, CA
How easy it is to mimic the styles and attitudes of a culture. Instead, those of us who are followers of Jesus live with a kind of "counter-culture" quality to our lives. Our highest commitment is to the kingdom of God and our allegiance to Jesus Christ, which then enables us to make a quality contribution to the kingdom of this world. If we are chameleons, constantly adjusting to our environment, we will never make much of a contribution. We are to love everyone with whom we come into contact. At the same time, as followers of Jesus, we march to a different drum-beat.
The article I read described some youth ministers as trying so hard to be popular with the young people that they never impact their lives. The youth leader must love the young people but challenge them to something better, spiritually, morally, intellectually. The same is true for the rest of us. We are called to humbly walk with Jesus and demonstrate by our lives His presence in us.
As we come to the communion table, I ask you the question, "Is life what happens to you while you are making other plans?" The answer is, "Yes." But the real question is, "Is it Life-Minus, or is it Life-Plus?"
My dear friend, Joanna Mockler, could have responded to the death of her husband with Life-Minus. She could have self-destructed, and all her plans for the future would have evaporated. She could have become a bitter, angry person, spiraling down into addictions and hopelessness. But no, instead, she claimed Life-Plus. Abundant life. Certainly, she grieved. Even still, she misses the "what could have been." But she has discovered the life God gives through His Holy Spirit. It is different than the one she planned for herself. It is one of creative service for the Lord through Gordon-Conwell Seminary, through World Vision, through her local church, through her friendships, her family relationships.
And I, in my better moments, when I move beyond the little pity parties I sometimes have for myself, thinking about the "what ifs" in life — I, too, can testify to the wonderful privilege of Life-Plus, God's will for me, even when I was making other plans.
I welcome you to the table if you have repented of sin and put your trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. I welcome you to eat of the body and drink of the blood of Jesus Christ in remembrance of what He has done for you and His promise of abundant life, Life-Plus!