Yesterday (Oct.28^th) I preached on the Christian’s spiritual possessions and actions using a pumpkin as an illustration. Consider with me some of those things.

          Pumpkins are secured out of a muddy patch. So a believer has been secured by Christ Jesus out of the messy world, out of the bondage of death and the pull of Sin. (Ephesians 2) Jesus then cleans a believer up- “Now are you clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.”(John 15)

          Pumpkins are usually bought. Redemption-purchasing from our sin- has three words to illustrate it in the New Testament. One refers simply to the purchase, the second indicates going into a market and buying and the third indicates going into the market, buying the product or person and taking the purchase from the slave market.

          Next, consider that Jesus –as with the pumpkin- cleans out the “muck within.” Just as the pumpkin, it is stinky, messy, and heading toward decay. The seeds within are the prospects of a future. It reminds one of the Sower and the Seed parable. The conversion taking place was because 1. the seed of God was with in and 2. because as one chooses a pumpkin God had chosen the believer before the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1:3)

          When one gives some animation to the pumpkin, a face is carved in. So God gives eyes of understanding, a “nose” for discernment and a mouth to speak His praise and share one’s faith as Timothy was reminded “to be able to give an answer to everyone who asks the hope within.”

          Then as in the pumpkin, light is placed with in. “So let your light so shine that people may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven.” Jesus as the Light of the World seeks to shine through.

          Lastly, as the pumpkin, we are put on display. People observe us to the credit and discredit towards Jesus. So, though you might find being called a pumpkin difficult, it illustrates what the working of God is doing.

            Whether politics, religion, or personal relationships we have lost civility. To disagree has come to be equated with dislike.

          Our denomination has seen an escalation in polarization over difference on a couple issues. The answer has been to turn the disagreement from dislike to departure from the denomination. Where is the civility to Part Company in good and gracious manner? Some of the attacks have shown that disagreement has turned to dislike.

          In politics our leader calls other nations names. I am not debating whether they are evil or not, but am decrying the agitation that such treatments which ensures an “enemy”status.     

Our first lady as reported by TIME October 8^th edition walked right by Ahmadinejad at the UN and even used his desk as a lean-on to advance up the stairs. Where was the “Good Morning” demonstration of civility?

          In social settings as we discuss various issues if we don’t agree with someone then walking away will certainly be viewed as dislike. Why not have a meeting of the minds to agree to disagree and find some agreement somewhere.

          Now as Christians we have some biblical directive. We are told to “Love our enemies”, and to pray for them. Matthew 18 gives some help to restoring disagreeing people. It does not say anything about whether an opposing party is deemed unapproachable or not. We, as Christians, are encouraged to have our words seasoned with grace. Kindness is a virtue not a vice. Disagreement does not have to translate into dislike.