Pastor Bill Hayden
As a child, I grew up eating several types of beans, like navy, great northern, green and butter beans. We would also have black-eyed and green peas.
Several weeks ago, while grocery shopping, I picked up a bag of beans to purchase. I had seen similar types of mixed dried beans before but that day the color of the 15 types of beans in the bag grabbed my attention. They all varied in color, shapes and sizes; I felt assured that each one would yield a different flavor. Some would require less cooking time while others would require more because of the size and structure.
Looking at that bag of beans reminded me of the many people groups. They were all different but one thing was evident… they were beans!
Many years ago, I had the privildge of creating a workshop that dealt with people who were ethnically diverse. Our goal was to gain a better understanding of each other. In general, people will observe, interpret, and make decisions based on their perceptions. For the most part, decisions were influenced by our emotions, impressions and peer pressure as opposed to seeking the facts. If you perceive something in a certain way, the tendency is to look for others who will support your view, whether they are accurate or not.
In the workshops I incorporated role play and intentionally assign the participants to a different ethnic group to bridge the cultural gap between people groups. In the role play, I would ask them the question, “What is it like to be a person of this group?” Then, there would be a respond from an entirely different ethnic group and everyone listened to their explanation. Afterwards, the person representing that ethnicity would share their experience with the group to clarify any misconceptions or biases.
When people come together with humble hearts and a desire to learn and understand each other, then grace happens. It’s like mixed beans properly rehydrated with the Water Of Life, sprinkled and seasoned with prayers and songs. A healthy portion of the meat of God’s word is added with the heat turned up to medium high! This is an analogy of the group’s experience as they grow in acceptance, love and appreciation of each other.
So, what’s it like to be in Chapel ? … it’s like being strengthened, encouraged and affirmed? A total joy, sending a sweet aroma to the Lord!
“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25 NLT
Celebrate with us at the Villages Community Chapel in Cribari Auditorium, every Sunday at 10 a.m. to be encouraged over the Word of Life, enjoy a cup of coffee and cookies with friends. The chapel is a place for needs to be met, faith to be affirmed and new friends to embrace. You can view our worship services on YouTube at Villages Community Chapel San Jose, CA.