Scripture To Consider:
For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.
Romans 12:4-5
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.
Romans 12:10
Big T's Thought To Ponder:
We talked about Love yesterday's devotional, this is a great start to making a difference in the lives around you; it's actually the foundation and cornerstone to every relationship we will ever have.
I believe that we are to connect with one another and to be intentional about lifting each other up spiritually and encouraging one another in Christ. Connectivity, with each other is the big take away today!
We are the "Body" of Christ, "individually members of one another" as Paul tells us in the scriptures above. Based on these verses in Romans, Paul would make it sound like we actually need each other!
"For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ." Paul goes on the say in v.14,"For in fact the body is not one member but many." "But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be?"
I Corinthians 12:12; 12:14; 12:18
"Where would we be" Paul asks. We were created for each other, to love one another, to support one another, to encourage one another to edify and build upon each other in Christ Jesus. We actually Need each other and are to be United together as one in Christ.
Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 and it clearly says that we need each other and by His design we are being called to come together, to be there for each other as a family in time of need, to support each other spiritually, financially and generously giving of the gifts and talents we have been given. I love the culture my pastor is building with the simple instruction of sharing of our time, our talents, our treasures and our touch - this is what investing in others looks like!
I think this is one of the biggest reasons God wants us Christ-Centered and not Self-Centered. When we put self first there never seems to be room for others. I can speak from experience when I say, that I know what self-centered Independence looks like - it's a very lonely place!
I have a friend Larry that helped me with this, by sharing a simple acronym called JOY. He said that it should be considered my priority in how I live my life and the actual order in which I needed to live my life if I wanted to be a Christian that was intentional about Christ.
- Jesus: always first in life; in all things said and done...
- Others: put others next; start w/ your wife, then kids...
- Yourself: put yourself last in all things; be first with Christ...
How can we make a difference in the lives of others around us? Take notice of others, invest in them, develop and grow an authentic relationship in Christ with each of them. By God's Divine design, he is counting on each of us to be intentional about the neighbors that he has put in our path.
God's Promises:
"My brothers and sisters, God called you to be free, but do not use your freedom as an excuse to do what pleases your sinful self. Serve each other with love. The whole law is made complete in this one command: "Love your neighbor as you love yourself."
Galatians 5:13-14
"Let us think about each other and help each other to show love and do good deeds".
Hebrews 10:24
"In the same way, younger people should be willing to be under older people. And all of you should be very humble with each other. God is against the proud, but he gives to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5
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