Over the years I have been down-sized, out-sourced, plant-closed, fired, laid-off and retained as others were let go. Being in the midst of such stress is not pleasant, but it forms bonds that seem to last longer than many more pleasant ones. I had much the same experience in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan.
So how does it happen that we seem to be more generous, kind and strong when the going gets tough? I believe St. Paul remarked on this in Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
It is both the joy and the curse of our local churches. When earthly churches work well it makes everything better from welcoming new babies to saying farewell to loved ones and all the challenges between. I believe the best churches find such encouraging and building up to be consuming tasks that leave less time for the kinds of personality clashes and petty disagreements that new Christians too often experience if they are not intentional about finding a church home.
Really, if I never again hear brothers and sisters in Christ argue bitterly about paint colors or pew configurations it will be a blessing beyond measure. If I never again experience snarky comments about the style or way of helping of another brother or sister in Christ I will be filled with gratitude. Is it so hard to imagine that they might be offering and doing their best gifts? And that they might be able to reach souls no one else might be so well equipped to reach?
Brothers and sisters, let me offer this suggestion: Pray for each other. Look for the good in each other. If you are concerned about the well being of a brother or sister in Christ and feel you must address a challenge with them, pray about it so much before hand that there is no "I" or "you" in the conversation. Pray until there is only a single desire for the good of the Body of Christ and all its members.
Living in our culture is too much judgmental nonsensel over things like dress colors and selfies and too little thoughtful consideration of truly important matters such as justice and how to be kind without doing damage. We all need to work to be certain that our churches are part of the solution rather than part of the problem.
Jehovah Japtha, Mighty God who heals, heal us from all temptations to forget our own brokenness when we see the brokenness of others. Give us eyes to see our brothers and sisters as You see them: precious children, created for purpose and worthy of kindness and love. AMEN
So how does it happen that we seem to be more generous, kind and strong when the going gets tough? I believe St. Paul remarked on this in Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
It is both the joy and the curse of our local churches. When earthly churches work well it makes everything better from welcoming new babies to saying farewell to loved ones and all the challenges between. I believe the best churches find such encouraging and building up to be consuming tasks that leave less time for the kinds of personality clashes and petty disagreements that new Christians too often experience if they are not intentional about finding a church home.
Really, if I never again hear brothers and sisters in Christ argue bitterly about paint colors or pew configurations it will be a blessing beyond measure. If I never again experience snarky comments about the style or way of helping of another brother or sister in Christ I will be filled with gratitude. Is it so hard to imagine that they might be offering and doing their best gifts? And that they might be able to reach souls no one else might be so well equipped to reach?
Brothers and sisters, let me offer this suggestion: Pray for each other. Look for the good in each other. If you are concerned about the well being of a brother or sister in Christ and feel you must address a challenge with them, pray about it so much before hand that there is no "I" or "you" in the conversation. Pray until there is only a single desire for the good of the Body of Christ and all its members.
Living in our culture is too much judgmental nonsensel over things like dress colors and selfies and too little thoughtful consideration of truly important matters such as justice and how to be kind without doing damage. We all need to work to be certain that our churches are part of the solution rather than part of the problem.
Jehovah Japtha, Mighty God who heals, heal us from all temptations to forget our own brokenness when we see the brokenness of others. Give us eyes to see our brothers and sisters as You see them: precious children, created for purpose and worthy of kindness and love. AMEN
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