Connecting with each other...

You will know by now if you have followed my Blog that I am sold out on the need for us to be connected. I have shared before the need to be connected to God, however the second element is the need to be "connected with each other", that is, with each other within the church. 

The focus within this must not be about creating a "club", which has tended to happen in the past. This is not about securing ourselves in a protected environment away from the ills and threats of the world. Rather, this ought to be a place where we find support, encouragement and are spurred on in our discipleship, following Christ, living Christ in the world (wherever we are).

It is good, and important for us to stop and think about this. We need to ensure that our gathering together is healthy and wholesome. That the focus is upon the interest of others and not merely about us. Of recent I have thought a bit about this. I have wondered about us exercising some 'lag time' before we make response in our conversations. Take the time to ask ourselves the question, 'is this conversation or subject helpful and beneficial, or might it be counted as gossip or really none of my business?' I think it is time that we stood up for what is right and honest and of benefit to others, rather than getting caught up in matters that might not be the 'whole truth' or that might not be 'helpful' to another, whether directly or by what it might do to their character.

How different church, and the whole of life for that matter, might be, if our conversations and interest are in regard to the spiritual journey of each other and how we might best support one another practically or prayerfully. Of recent I have appreciated occasions with people whereby this has been the centre of our conversations (over a good coffee of course). Our focus has been upon our encounter with Christ through the Word (the Scriptures) and in our everyday experiences, how He (Jesus) has revealed Himself to us. Fresh discoveries. New learning's. This has been so liberating, so encouraging and exciting. The other thing is, you find you want more of it. And, it fits you (equips you) for living in the everyday.

Interestingly, Jesus said, "By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13: 35 (NLT)

Let's do it! Let's ensure that we are intent on what is good for each other, seeking to make a positive impact upon one another, so that we are clearly identified as belonging to Christ, known as His disciples, His followers. If this happens, I believe people will want to be journeying with us, they desire genuine people in their lives. Let's score some wins for Jesus!

The real deal ...

I think we are experiencing some interesting times. Certainly on the political scene in Australia with a change of leadership there are some lessons to be learnt, whether a politician or a Christian. Mostly, in my eyes anyway, I see that people want the "real deal".

One of my passions is learning about leadership. In particular I would hone that down to spiritual leadership. I want to lead well. I want to be developing others through my leadership style. I want to be developing and learning and changing (for the better) in who I am through this experience.

So we hear (and read) words associated with stand out or good leadership. Elements like, integrity, honesty, truthfulness, reliable, real, authentic, and genuine.

I was prompted to think about this again today when I read these words from Paul's second letter to Timothy:

2 Timothy 1:5 (New Living Translation)

5 I remember your genuine faith,

for you share the faith that first filled

your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice.

And I know that same faith continues strong in you.

2 Timothy 1:5 (The Message)

5That precious memory triggers another:

your honest faith—and what a rich faith it is,

handed down from your grandmother Lois

to your mother Eunice, and now to you!

That is how I would like to be remembered. For the fact that my faith was genuine, honest and rich. The fact that there was nothing pretentious. Nothing fake about it. Nothing put on. Rather I was identified as being "real."

 

"Lord, Your Son proved in His life that these character traits were possible. So it is that I desire to have my life absorbed into His character. I want to mirror Christ to the world. Help me to be real in my interactions, in all circumstances, and in this to bring glory to You."