DNA shows up when we least expect. It surfaces when we’re exhilarated, irritated, or exhausted – when we’re are at our best and when we’re at our worst. It represents our core values, the “defaults” that are pre-set into our personal lives.
One of the most challenging aspects of a new endeavor like Life Church is to clearly define its core values. A church family is only as healthy as its spiritual DNA, both as a congregation and as individuals.
When someone comes to church for the first time, their radar is working overtime to pick up the DNA. They wonder, “Are these people proud, are they humble? Are they friendly or are they standoffish? What’s the DNA here? Does it match mine?”
When you come to Life Church, you will find that you can truly be yourself. Life Church’s DNA is genuine, patient and compassionate. Love and mercy toward one another are woven into our nucleus. There is mercy for mistakes and love for the unlovely. Our love isn’t based on performance, but on who we are in Christ. We need mercy, and we will offer mercy. At our core, we understand that we are all flawed but forgiven people who are fleshing out our salvation in fits and starts.
For the very first service at Life Church, I am eager to share a message I know the Holy Spirit has given me. It’s from a simple but powerful Bible verse Marilyn and I have adopted as our “annual verse” for 2011, and we believe it has the potential to change all our lives this year:
“He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8 NIV
I am humbled and excited to present the first message of Life Church this Saturday evening. Marilyn and I personally invite you to join us on this journey.
Ron & Marilyn