Westside Church of Christ

Spring is a wonderful time of year…ah-choo…except for the pollen and allergies. Ignoring those for a moment, it is a beautiful sight to behold. Flowers are in bloom, and the azaleas are especially lovely. They can also teach us a spiritual lesson or two if we pay attention.

They come in a variety of colors. We see pink, red and white side-by-side. Different bushes have different colors. Christians are like that as Paul described in 1 Corinthians 12. His body analogy explains the various parts that make up the whole. An eye and a foot are definitely different, but both are important. We cannot assume that we are unimportant, nor can we see others in that light. Some are pink. Others are red, but they’re both azaleas.

One bush hasn’t bloomed yet. It is surrounded by those that have, but it hasn’t. That doesn’t make it less of an azalea. It just moves a little slower. Their development is not the same. Neither is that of God’s children. Long-time Christians are more mature (At least, they should be!) than those who are recent converts. Even two who were baptized on the same day won’t grow at an identical pace. We are all different and must be patient with those who seem to be weaker (Romans 15:1).

Jesus used the creation to draw lessons for His disciples, and one of them was about the futility of worry. We fret about clothes. Our affluence makes us even more susceptible to that concern. We want the latest fashions and most popular styles. It is a needless worry. In fact, it is a prohibited concern (Matthew 6:28-33). Look at the lilies. God dresses them more beautifully than Solomon. We should seek His kingdom and righteousness first and foremost. Relax. He knows what you need.

It’s all temporary anyway. It’s one more lesson from the azaleas. They are beautiful today, but where will they be in a month? Their lifespan is very brief. They capture our attention for a little while and then they wither away. Such is the case with every bit of glory attached to this creation. It is destined to fade with the passing of time. The word of God is different. It has no expiration date. It will stand strong and dependable into eternity (1 Peter 1:24-25).

The classroom is all around us. This world and all of its beauty is temporary. We will only be here for a relatively short time, and then what? That all depends on what we do with our days here. Are we developing a deeper understanding of God through His eternal word? Do we know Him? We will all stand before Him in judgment someday. What will matter most to us then? That is what should matter most to us now.

Call to Praise: Luke 24:1-7

His word on it: 1 Corinthians 15:17

Sermon “He is Risen”