Initiation

BY REV. DORAL PULLEY

Scripture Reference – Luke 19:5

“A person who has friends must shew himself friendly (Proverbs 18:24).” There is nothing wrong with initiating friendships.  It’s all right to start conversations with strangers.  We can no longer allow fear of rejection to stop us from networking.  Through Jesus Christ’s example, we are empowered to go after the relationships that we desire so that our lives can be enriched.

In most instances, Jesus Christ was invited to people’s homes to perform some type of miracle.  In some cases, Jesus Christ initiated home visits.  Jesus Christ was not afraid to invite himself to people’s homes when he knew that there was a mission to be accomplished through the visit. He realized that God’s purpose and plan is more important than social graces.

Due to his height challenge, Zacchaeus, tax collector, climbed in the sycamore to see Jesus Christ.  His climbing in the tree represented that he was ready to go to a higher level of consciousness.  Jesus Christ recognized Zacchaeus’ efforts and invited himself to the tax collector’s house so that his entire life could change.

Houses represent states of consciousness.  Jesus Christ coming to Zacchaeus’ house represented him opening himself up to the Christ consciousness that was already present within him as divine potential.

During this holiday season, while we are celebrating the birth of Christ, let us open up our hearts and minds to initiate conversations and visits with new and different people. Let us also reach out to our family and friends whom we have not seen for a while.

Rev. Doral Pulley is the senior pastor of Unity Temple of Truth Church, 511 Prescott St. S, St. Petersburg.