Awaken, Sleeping Giant Part 3
Awaken, Sleeping Giant Part 3 April 18, 2023
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habits of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25
Sweet Day, Dear Ladies!
We give glory and honor to our Lord Jesus Christ as we resume our discussion of living boldly but gracefully in today’s times. Each day we prepare first by communing with God in a relationship made possible by the work of His Son. This means we read His Word with intention, and we pray. His promise to us: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 Be assured that we will know Him if we truly desire to.
In our earlier discussions, we learned to don the full armor of God. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil.” Ephesians 6:12 Examine each of these points closely and understand that our protection against them is truth, righteousness, the Gospel, faith, salvation, His Word and prayer. (See Ephesians 6:14-18) Against these things evil will not triumph. We are also instructed to remain alert. Now is not the time to seek out that comfortable hole in the sand. “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.” 1 Thessalonians 5:6
Upon stepping out and observing the world around us, we also practice the discernment that comes from knowing God’s truth. We see beauty and we see ashes. We see some issues that demand our attention and some that are a useless waste of our precious time. The writer of Psalm 119 prays, “Turn my eyes away from worthless things.” (Verse 37) We learn to recognize what brings glory to God, thus developing a purity of heart that He so desires.
This brings us to today’s discussion. We stand ready and alert, but we don’t stand alone. Fellowship with like-minded people is crucial to the Christian walk. We glean encouragement, validation and the opportunity to learn in a safe and (ideally) non-judgmental environment. (Let us keep ourselves in check here.) It allows us to share ideas, ask questions, offer and receive comfort and motivation, and build trusting relationships with one major commonality: Jesus Christ. All other differences are secondary.
GotQuestions.org, a helpful and reliable Christian resource, explains that we “who believe in the Gospel are united in the Spirit through Christ to the Father.”
This relationship must be the basis of Christian fellowship. We can have friendships and relationships with unbelievers, but true Christian fellowship can only occur within the body of Christ. We are united to one another by common beliefs, purposes, and goals. Our hearts and minds are “other-worldly” because we follow Jesus Christ, who said that His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). We know that we are strangers in this world, and we long for the time when we will be in our true home, heaven.
“What is the importance of Christian fellowship.” GotQuestions.org. What is the importance of Christian fellowship? | GotQuestions.org
To build and protect these relationships, it is critical to follow the teaching of Paul to the Ephesians: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 Use this blueprint, along with a solid commitment of confidentiality and a deep desire to love as Jesus loves, and discover the beauty of the people God has put in our lives.
Paul reminds us to “encourage one another and build each other up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Sweet ones, know Jesus, practice His ways, and care for each other. He is coming back for us. Let Him find us doing His work!
Gracefully yours,
Cynthia
