Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Stirring Up One Another
Hello all! Sorry that it has been so long between posts. Once again I am having computer problems (my computer is reading that there is a wireless connection available, but it is saying that the signal is unusable, yet all other wireless devices work. But I digress.) Ok, so I am using Brooke's computer to update today. While thinking about what I wanted to write about, I decided to go with what has been on my mind a lot lately, and has been the focus of our Ministry for most of this year. We need to be encouraging and stirring one another up to love and good works.
I have just been thinking lately that I am negative, divisive, and sarcastic very often. I feel that on a regular basis I poke fun at my brothers and sisters, discourage them, and let them know where I think they fall short. Do these actions describe the daily life a believer in Scripture? No, perish the thought! (Shai Linne).
Over the past several weeks as I've been noticing my destructive nature (and yes, it is a destructive nature), I have noticed that many of us seem to interact this way. And what may be even more disturbing, is that we do not seem to care. For anyone reading this blog, I have a challenge for you. The next time we gather to fellowship (Wednesday, Sunday, lunch, or dinner on a weeknight), take a mental count of the statements (don't keep names, and make sure to count your own) that are deliberately meant to be discouraging (yes, jokes are deliberately discouraging, even in a joking manner). And do the same for comments that would be considered encouraging (Eric, you really are a great man of God. Erica, you know a lot about Scripture. How often do you study, and what do you do to grow in that knowledge?) Oh the growth the Church would have in the world if these things were as easy to do as they are to write... (Just a side note, it was actually difficult for me to quickly come up with 2 encouraging comments, possibly because I so seldom draw from that well).
Hebrews 10:23-25
23. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24. And let us consider how to stir one another to love and good works, 25. not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
We must grow together as a body. This summer we need to be connected with one another. Get with one of your brothers or sisters and talk to them on a regular basis (monthly is not regular). Share your struggles, your victories, your lives. If we can become better connected, we will know more about one another. If we know more about one another's lives, it is easier to encourage our brothers and sisters in their good works. Likewise, we will also be able to see the areas of struggle for each of us, and bring our sins to the light, and minister to each other as necessary (I am not saying all sins and struggles need to be handled and brought out before all of the Young Adult Ministry, but if we are connected to 1 or just a few close brothers and sisters, then it is easier to share struggles within our own lives.) If we can make this happen, we will know it was only because we loved one another, and that God is doing a great work within our group. And if people see us loving one another, that is how we are distinguished from the world. This world has nothing for us, and this world has everything. All that we could want and nothing that we need. Let us drop everything, cut loose the chains the world has on us, and seek Christ with all that we are, knowing that He is faithful to keep His promises, and grant us Eternal Rest after we have run the race. Grace and Peace, sorry for my inconsistency as a writer for this blog, and as a brother in Christ. I will strive to do better, by God's grace, in both of these matters. -Bubba
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
