Philemon 1
By Pastor Steve
We Say NO Too Much!
Children amaze me. They also teach me a lot about faith, life and generosity. When children are very young—I mean toddler age young—they are generally very generous in spirit. I know, many of you probably think I have lost my mind—especially parents of young children. But listen up and read along with me for a minute. When a Mom or Dad give a little toddler let’s say a baggie of cheerios, or a few apple slices, or a few pieces of candy or maybe a popsicle, that little toddler wants to share some of the goodie with the parent. They want to share their goodie, they want to share the moment, they want to share our company. That’s generosity folks! You see, children are actually wired by the Creator to be generous.
But after a short stint in life, something tragic happens. Children begin to receive a mixed message concerning their generosity. Parents and adults begin to use this word that brings deep confusion to children. What’s the word—you know it well—NO! All of a sudden, children learn that one simple, profound, weighty word can change the whole meaning of generosity. NO means that I am not going to share, that I choose if I want to share and it also tells others that we are not committed to share with anyone unless we desire to share with them. Honestly folks, NO is one of the most destructive words on the planet and can destroy a healthy relationship and positive disposition at the speed of lightning.
Now, you might be wondering what all of this has to do with Paul’s little letter to the people in a little house church in the 1st century. Paul realized that the little house church that met in Philemon’s home learned how to say NO to people who were desperately attempting to engage in community with Jesus Christ and His people. In that home there was a Bond-slave named Onesimus who had a deep desire to share the faith of all the people who worshipped the Lord. He desired to share community. He desired to share meals. He desired to share life. He desired to share faith. He desired to be loved and to love others. But—he was not one of their own so he was shunned by the community and NO became the common response to his deep desires. As a result, Onesimus ran away–off to Rome—to visit Paul and share community with the Apostle.
Have you ever thought about how many people come into churches all around the world searching to find community, acceptance, companionship, love and a place to belong and only hear a resounding NO you are not one of us? Maybe they do not audibly hear the word NO, but every gesture and frown on the faces of the people says NO—you don’t belong here—more than the word itself.
The next time you see someone in our fellowship, how about reaching out with a smile that says YES and see the difference and positive impact you can have on a person who is longing to belong.
