Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Standing with Others



Today, I wanted to pass along something from my own devotions this morning.  This is from Experiencing God Day-by-Day, by Henry and Richard Blackaby.  There is a link at the end where you can pick up a copy for yourself...


Two is better than one, because they have a good reward for
their labor.  For if they fall, one will lift up his companion,
but woe to him who is alone when he falls,
for he has no one to help him up.
- Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

From the beginning of time, God made it clear that it is not good for His people to be alone (Gen. 2:18).  God designed us to cooperate.  Throughout the Scriptures He speaks of His people as a community that accomplishes more together than separately.  God did not create us as isolated individuals, each seeking to achieve our own goals.  Rather, the success of our endeavors depends upon our interdependence.  This is why He established the Church and released His Holy Spirit to empower the community of believers to spread the gospel.  We are to be a kingdom of priests (1 Peter 2:9).
During difficult times it is critical that we are walking in fellowship with other Christians.  When a crisis hits, it is overwhelming to face it alone.  But if we have cultivated supportive friendships, we will find strength in the comfort and encouragement of those who care about us.  Interdependence is also a safeguard for us when we are lured by temptation.  The consistent testimony of those who have fallen to temptation is that they isolated themselves from other believers and were not held accountable by Christian friends.
If you are not part of a caring community of believers, you are missing out on what God designed for you.  You are also in danger of falling into sin.  You must link your life with others who are seeking God’s will.  Seek to be a person who willingly joins others in carrying out God’s assignments.  Strive to be the source of support and encouragement that those around you need.

By Henry and Richard Blackaby
©1998 by Henry Blackaby and Richard Blackaby

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