When I think of joining a local body of believers, I think of a group of loving caring individuals who will accept me and fellowship with me.
God paints a powerful word picture in the Bible when He talks about His church. He uses the picture of a human body and talks about each part of the body being necessary to the whole. Each body needs a hand, a foot, an eye, etc.
He also called us to be ligaments!
Ephesians 4:16 (NIV)
From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.A supporting ligament holds things together. We should support our brothers and sisters in Christ in whatever endeavors they are led to do. Does Bro. Joe feel called to ministry? Support him in his calling with prayer and word of encouragement and whatever else the Lord may lead you to do. Does Sister Sue feel called to sing solos? Even if you think she is not that great a singer, encourage her. Tell her she chose a song with great lyrics, or tell her you appreciate her sincerity or her passion when she sings. Don't lie, but you can always find something positive to lift up someone. Then pray, pray, pray that God will either help her to improve or gently channel that desire into what He wants her to do.
There are enough naysayers out in the world; we don't need them in our church family - or our homes, either. Pray and ask God how you can support your loved ones, and then do it!
This post was written in community with a whole host of bloggers who will be writing for 31 days on a topic that is near their heart. You can see who is participating at The Nester's blog, Nesting Place
Very nice post, Jerralea. THis will be a great 31 Days- so much richness and unity He will work through us all! One encouraging, harmonious voice!
ReplyDeleteThere are enough naysayers out in the world; we don't need them in our church family - or our homes, either.
ReplyDeleteI love this line.