Devotion for a Luau themed event

I was asked to give the opening remarks at a luau themed event at our church and this is what I came up with. I am sharing it because I believe churches need to be reaching out in love more then they do. And we need to do that because God wants us to, not for any social, political or feel good reason.

Did you know that The Aloha Spirit Law is an ACTUAL law, "on the books" in Hawaii?

All citizens and government officials of Hawaii are obligated by law to conduct themselves in accordance with this law, while performing their duties and obligations, as well as in their day-to-day living. Likewise, those visiting the fair islands are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with this Hawaiian law
Here’s what their government says about it.

“The Aloha Spirit elevates, empowers and ennobles its people, and KEEPS Hawaii the uniquely special place that it is. The Aloha Spirit Law deserves our unmitigated support and compliance. As a model law for the world, it can serve the greatest number for its greatest good.

Together, we can make The Aloha Spirit as vibrant and REAL as it was for those who came before us. Those who have experienced The Aloha Spirit have an obligation to make it real for those who follow. An individual, conscious effort is required. Let it begin with you.”

Full Text of
THE ALOHA SPIRIT LAW

(a) The Aloha Spirit is the coordination of mind and heart within each person. It brings each person to the Self. Each person must think and emote good feelings to others. In the contemplation and presence of the life force, Aloha, the following translation may be used:
· Akahai, meaning kindness to be expressed with tenderness;
· Lôkahi, meaning unity, to be expressed with harmony;
· `Olu`olu, meaning agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness;
· Ha`aha`a, meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty;
· Ahonui, meaning patience, to be expressed with perseverance.

These are traits of character that express the charm, warmth and sincerity of Hawaii's people. It was the working philosophy of native Hawaiians and was presented as a gift to the people of Hawaii.

· Aloha is more than a word of greeting or farewell or a salutation.
· Aloha means mutual regard and affection and extends warmth in caring with no obligation in return.
· Aloha is the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for collective existence.
· Aloha means to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen and to know the unknowable.

(b) In exercising their power on behalf of the people and in fulfillment of their responsibilities, obligations and service to the people, the legislature, governor, lieutenant governor, executive officers of each department, the chief justice, associate justices, and judges of the appellate, circuit, and district courts may contemplate and reside with the life force and give consideration to The Aloha Spirit

I’m not particularly fond of words like “life force” – it sounds a little new age to me. But, what if we as members of the Christian Church had a “law on our books” like this! What if we change The Aloha Spirit to The Holy Spirit? It would read like this:

The Holy Spirit is a gift to the followers of Christ and therefore members of (fill in your church’s name).
All members are obligated by law to conduct themselves in accordance with this law, while performing their duties and obligations, as well as in their day-to-day living. Likewise, those visiting our church are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with this law.
The Holy Spirit elevates, empowers and ennobles us, and KEEPS our church the uniquely special place that it is. The Holy Spirit Law deserves our unmitigated support and compliance. As a model law for the world, it can serve the greatest number for its greatest good.
Together, we can help make The Holy Spirit as vibrant and REAL to others as it was for those who came before us. Those who have experienced The Holy Spirit have an obligation to make Him real for those who follow. An individual, conscious effort is required. Let it begin with you.

Here might be the Holy Spirit Law:

(a) The Holy Spirit is in the heart of every believer. Each person must remember this and show Him to others -
H – for Holy – we are set apart by God and for God. Let us act that way.
O – Christ is the only way – let us never suggest to anyone anything else
L – Love – let us love our neighbors as ourselves and God above all else.
Y – You – you are loved by God so much that He sent His Son to die for you.

When we, individually and together, remember these things and act upon them our church will express the charm, warmth and sincerity of true Christians.

You know, we actually do have this law. God has called us to become like Christ. To love and serve, to spread the gospel and to welcome the sinners and the outcasts. Rick Warren in his book A Purpose Driven Life said if churches would show Christ to people and a sincere interest and love for them – they would have to lock the doors to keep people out! Look how people flock to Hawaii!

It’s something to think about!

Let’s pray- Lord, we ask you to fill us to overflowing with the Holy Spirit. And we ask that those coming into our church feel His presence too. Help us each to live our lives for your glory and our church to do Your work with love. And now please bless this food, the people who prepared it and those it was prepared for. In Your Son’s Holy and Precious Name. Amen.