Picture, if you will, 79-degree weather and a congregation of Jamaican, African, Brazilian and other internationals sitting in chairs on an asphalt parking lot.
Praise and worship leaders have been leading this congregation with praise and worship the past two hours.
The associate pastor introduces you and you walk up to the microphone, pause and look around.
You see a number of people wearing heavy winter coats and you can't help laughing to yourself.
That actually happened. (Sort of.)
I'm not exaggerating — it was 29 degrees a few days before a past Christmas, and I was working outdoors.
I received a phone call from one of my Jamaican friends to wish me an early Merry Christmas. They said I needed to go inside; it is too cold where I live.
Here, I'm thinking, "When it is in the 30s here, our snowbirds appear at the beaches acting like it is 85-plus!"
It just goes to show that people handle the weather differently based on where they are from and what they are used to.
There also are spiritual and moral climates — complete with their highs and lows — that affect people.
For some, a stressful situation may seem like too much to bear. But another person who has dealt with larger crises may wonder what all the fuss is about.
It's nice to know someone has dealt with the same set of circumstances; perhaps they can offer bits of advice, or even encouragement to help you get back to a comfortable place.
Similarly, it is important for long-time Christians to look out for those just beginning in this walk.
We need to encourage them, not ridicule them, for not so long ago we were on that rough side needing a hand up.
Remember: If you go just a little bit farther today, tomorrow's troubles may seem easier. Pretty soon, you will be some other poor soul's encouraging individual.
Be glad that He counts you worthy to withstand, for His desire is to perfect you.
The Rev. Richard Helms serves at Miracle Acres Ministries, 3187 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: Spiritual, moral climates bring highs and lows