In a small town, two friends named Tom and Jerry (yes, those are their names) were notorious for their "partner in crime" antics. However, their mischief usually involved harmless fun and laughter rather than any real trouble.
One sunny Saturday, they came up with a brilliant plan to surprise their friend by giving his old, weather-beaten garage a fresh coat of paint. With great enthusiasm, they bought a gallon of neon green paint—an eye-popping choice, perfect for their buddy’s quirky tastes.
As they painted, they joked and bantered about the best techniques and shades. Tom insisted, “Let’s keep it classic and tidy—just a simple coat, and we’ll be done,” believing in partnership through shared effort. Jerry, on the other hand, was convinced that more paint would create a masterpiece: “Art is about expression! Let’s go crazy!”
In the heat of the moment, Tom suddenly declared that it was time for a "snack break." “I’ll be right back!” he called as he rushed inside to raid the fridge. Left alone with a mischievous grin, Jerry decided to seize the moment. While Tom munched on chips, Jerry added his unique flair to the project—he splashed paint everywhere: on the garage, on the driveway, and yes, even on the car parked inside!
Just as Tom returned with a plate full of snacks, their unsuspecting friend pulled into the driveway. He stepped out of his car, surveyed the chaotic color explosion, and exclaimed, “What on earth happened?!”
With crumbs still on his face, Tom quickly chimed in, “Uh, I think Jerry was trying out a modern art approach,” throwing his friend under the bus. But Jerry, with a smirk, shot back, “Hey, who left the paintbrushes? If you weren’t busy eating snacks, you could have stopped me!”
Their friend burst into laughter and said, “Well, it’s a good thing you both are partners in this! I guess we’ll call it ‘Family Bonding through Art.’”
In that moment of chaos, Tom realized that true partnership means sharing both the glory and the blame—ideally equally! They learned that being partners is not just about who paints better but also about supporting one another through every mess of life.
Just as Tom and Jerry navigated the hilarity and chaos of their painting project together, our own partnerships in life should reflect love, fellowship, and shared responsibility. Rather than blaming each other for the messes we might create, we should embrace the beauty of walking together in faith. As Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” In our fellowship, we find true meaning, love, and growth.
Now, we see a parallel in today’s readings, where Paul writes to the divided church in Corinth. He addresses various factions and issues, and it appears the true essence of partnership in Christ had become diluted. The church seemed to have lost its way. However, rather than scolding them, Paul affirms them in their identity. He writes, “I continually thank God for you, recognizing the grace He has given you in Christ Jesus. You have been enriched in Him in every way, excelling in all speech and knowledge.” He acknowledges that the evidence of Christ’s truth has been confirmed in their lives and ensures them that they lack no spiritual gift as they eagerly await the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul reassures them of God’s faithfulness, emphasizing that through Him, they have been invited into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
So, how can we, today, truly seek a partnership in truth when we find ourselves so divided? Can we not all just get along? Why can’t we excel in doing God’s work while also being ready to support one another, even during times of distress or turmoil? Do we truly need it our way? The list of challenges is endless.
I want to remind you today that while we gather in fellowship under one roof, each person is on their own unique journey, standing at different points in their lives. Two Sundays ago, I asked you to engage in a true self-assessment of who you are in Christ and your true identity. I hope you took the time to reflect, for without knowing who we are, we cannot chart our path forward.
Like the church in Corinth, we can easily become lost in our routines, even while worshiping. Take into account the Prodigal Son, who left his father and all he had without truly realizing who he was or what he was doing. It wasn’t until he hit rock bottom that he grasped his ignorance. Yet, his father lovingly embraced him upon his return, even after the son's poor choices.
It's not rocket science, friends. When we fall away from God in our daily lives, we lose focus. We undermine our partnership with both God and our fellow Christians. But why partnership? What does it all mean?
Hearing 1 Corinthians 1, To the church of God which is in Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours. When you read this, it may go unnoticed, however, let me be clear to say the church, memorial/leetown, is established and owned by none other than God. The church is attached to, accountable to, authorizations beyond itself. The church is not free to do anything it wishes. The church is not only the possession but also the creation of God Himself. Church is not a social gathering but a summoned and commissioned people, you and me, to be God’s people in partnership. Yes, we each are called into God’s holy work, to be ready, willing and attentive, regardless of our circumstances, to partnership with Christ. This is the why and how come.
For some, being in partnership means you share the same ideals. If this was true then Jesus would only love those who love Him, which is exact opposite of what He came and did. Scripture tells us “IF you only love those who love you, what reward will you have?”
I have never proclaimed I’m a perfect Pastor, husband, friend. Nor do I exclaim you are a perfect congregation. Its NOT about perfection friends, its about who we are as Christians; what Christ expects from us. And listen to this carefully. Whatever Christ Jesus wants to do for this world, He has chosen not do it without you and me! From calling the 12 disciples to the millions that follow today, each of us has a purpose and plan in God’s Holy calling. We are tied at the hip with God in doing His work to save people. Ephesians 4 reminds us that our job as Chrisitians is to equip the saints for work in ministry. Pastors preach to the saints, whereas they are then equipped to do their work for Christ.
In closing, SO what do we do? Well, we practice open communication. Within our ranks of church, we share ideas without ridicule. We express thoughts without backlash. We share the love of Christ. Then we celebrate each others strengths. All of us have strengths. Diverse gifts and talents give us a congregation where with God nothing is impossible as to how we contribute to God and His ministry to the community. Then we foster forgiveness and grace. Whether misunderstandings or division of any type, we must extend grace and forgiveness as Christ does. Last but most assuredly not least, reflect on personal journeys and stories. How God got you here today! As I already stated, we each are on our unique journey, and through that journey God saved you to be here right now, at this very moment. Remember, reflect and respond to that higher calling to be a dedicated servant of God in remembering who you are and what God has done.
let us remember that as we navigate this journey together, we are called to partner with one another in love, grace, and support. Let's strive to reflect Christ in all our relationships, working together to build a community rooted in faith and partnership. Amen.