Friends, in Christ, we are not defined by our worst moments. 

I am such a weak hypocrite most days. And yet, I am Ross … beloved Son of God, justified brother of Christ, a messenger of the gospel of the Kingdom. It is almost too much to contemplate. 

I couldn’t get Hebrews 10 out of my mind as I pondered this. Hebrews 10:25 is the verse that pastors love to remind people that they really should go to a church service on a Sunday, and it is well suited for that purpose. The writer warns that they shouldn’t be like those who neglect to meet together regularly, thus reminding us once and for all that the gathering of the saints is an essential activity in the life of the believer. But, there are three imperatives in the verses leading up to verse 25 that I think describe some of what we are supposed to be experiencing when we do gather.

We now live, by God’s good design and mercy, in the midst of a booming city. All endeavors to “Keep Austin Weird” seem long forgotten as globe leading corporations make their home here, and it isn’t good news for everyone. The city is becoming more expensive (we have one of the worst annual cost of living increases in the nation), housing is scarce (especially in the affordable housing sector), and many feel like the tone and the tenor of the place is changing in a way that they don’t like. People used to be quick to tell me how much they loved Austin and how proud they were to live here. Now it feels like many people I talk to are disillusioned by the city and its transformation and wondering aloud what sort of role they can and should play in it.