The same holds for most of us. When we enter a situation where we are welcomed and people express concern and interest in us, we warm to what is going on there. We want to get involved with the people and the tasks they are engaging. We feel a part of the group and want to contribute to whatever its purpose might be. We enjoy participating in a shared task in these circumstances. Even if it involves work and effort, we have fun doing it because we can rely upon each other to help in the effort.
We forget ourselves when we feel comfortable with each other, and this selflessness generates warmth in our relationships. Under these conditions, we always get more than we give, because we feel that we belong and are invested in the mission of the organization. It’s amazing what people can do when they set the right kind of environment for each other.
How do our churches measure up to this picture? Are they communities where people feel they belong, and everyone can contribute to the various efforts that advance the mission of God’s Kingdom in our world? Do we welcome others into our life and worship, or are we suspicious of newcomers, demanding that they do it our way or no way? Do we each see ourselves as contributing to a common cause, or as competing for the best in show? A jealous, possessive, hyper-critical, rigid and unbending environment where each person wants to stand out is a cold place. Everyone is afraid of making a mistake. Gossip thrives; back-biting wounds; and no one wants to take any initiative for fear of being put down. It’s a wintry landscape, even in July!
God’s love brings warmth and light to any human situation. We need to draw close to this love whenever we set about doing His work in our world. We should not get so lost in the task at hand that we lose the people with whom we share the task or for whom we are doing it. “For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life?” (Mt 16:26) Only by constantly reminding ourselves that it’s God’s work we want to do and His work is always one of love and service will we stay on task. The vents to God’s love are prayer, fellowship, worship and ministry, but these are useless if they don’t offer warm, personal regard to everyone engaged in them.
So no matter what we are doing, hug the heat, the heat of God’s love, and show how it is working among us and creating a warm atmosphere for our efforts to bear His fruit. There is no better ad campaign for church membership. Baxter isn’t the only one attracted to the warmth.
