"Perfect" Attendance.

So, as those chosen by God, holy and dearly loved, wear the clothing of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Forgive: -- after all, God forgave you-- bear with each other, and be expressions of God's love. Love is what binds us together in unity. (see Colossians 3:12-14)

In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Althea noted that the process of becoming (and being) a corporate expression of Christ is messy.

We make colossal mistakes.
We step on each other's toes.
We miss opportunities for concerted prayer and decisive action.
We prefer ourselves over others.

But, we are nonetheless called to draw nearer to Christ, and to be renewed in Him every day. This renewal comes into being as we daily take off the clothing of corruption and put on the clothing of compassion.

The Spirit of Christ stands ready to help us move from imperfection to perfection.

In my personal devotions, I have been stuck in Luke chapter 7 for the past two weeks. Verse 36 has really jumped out to indict me: "One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to dine with him, and He went into the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table."

The rest of the account (verses 37 through 50) is more famous for the woman who, though not invited to the meal, showed up anyway and doused our Lord with a pint of ridiculously expensive perfume. But there is the image of this Pharisee, who on the surface seemed to have done the right thing: he invited Jesus in. And, Jesus came in. But Jesus, though in the house, was not loved by the homeowner. What did Jesus say?

When I came into your house, you gave Me no water for My feet.
You gave Me no kiss.
You did not anoint My head with oil.

The Pharisee missed a chance to shower Jesus with authentic service, adoration, and worship. His lack of love for Jesus was made plain by his lack of love for the woman: "If Jesus was really a prophet, he would know that this woman is notorious. She shouldn't be touching him." (see Luke 7:39)

But, the Pharisee missed a key detail: the love of Jesus had touched the woman, and her repentance freed her to be able to love Him. She moved from the clothing of corruption to the clothing of compassion; from notorious sin to notorious service.

What does Jesus say to us today?

O, Sweet Spirit of Christ, open our eyes that we might know Your love... move us from audience to attendants.