Sharing Christ
By Judy Luffman of Redmond, OR, USA
“’Community of Christ,’ your name, given as a divine blessing, is your identity and calling.” —Doctrine and Covenants 163:1
Epiphanies, moments of sudden and striking breakthroughs in experience or understanding, seem to occur when you least expect them, which, at least for me, makes the experience more powerful. I had an epiphany during a Discipleship NOW weekend in the Pacific Northwest Mission Center where I was privileged to serve as a mentor to four attendees. The weekend’s focus was Christian and Community of Christ Theology.
As we immersed ourselves in “thinking the faith” we explored the publication Sharing in Community of Christ. The instructor wrote “Jesus Christ” on the white board and then stated that “Christ” wasn’t Jesus’ last name. We all chuckled for a moment and then the conversation continued regarding what the name or title “Christ” meant. It was explained something like this: Jesus was the name of a person; Christ stood for the work, the mission in which Jesus was engaged.
That’s when it hit me. Our faith community’s name isn’t Community of Jesus. It is Community of Christ! We are not named to be identified with a man but to be about his work. In Doctrine and Covenants 163, we have been counseled that this name is our identity and calling. We are not to be Sunday-only Christians, but are to be about living the mission Jesus initiated in all aspects of our lives. Each time you see the name of our faith tradition in print or sing a hymn about it or speak of it, remember what it really stands for and try to keep it in the forefront of your life, informing what you do and say each day.
Prayer Phrase
May I see your light in all life.
Invitation to Spiritual Practice
Light of God
Close your eyes, and become centered with your breath. As you breathe gently in and out, reflect on the statement, “The light of God is in all things.” The light has a bright, soft beauty and radiates God’s healing love. The light of God reaches you and permeates you with a deep sense of peace. Rest in the light as it surrounds and fills you. Thank God that you live in God’s light, and it lives in you.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
