RADIANT | Day 5…
The importance of community…
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrew 10:24-25 {KJV}
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:3-13 {NIV}
To be so desperate to serve and share my faith I often get discourage and question my purpose. I am certain that obedience requires encouragement. There have been so many times I have been carried through difficult seasons and moments of trouble by a friends kind words and just the very community of other believers. I would even go as far as saying had it not been for that very community of believers I am not sure I would have had strength to push through. I truly believe God places certain people in our path to help us along our journey. He uses specific people to distribute the courage we need to be obedient to His calling.
In Proverbs we read that “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Surrounding ourselves with a strong community of believers challenges us mentally and spiritually to grow in Christ. In times of trouble honestly, I have avoided lukewarm Christians and reached for those I knew would fuel me with LIFE giving words. I believe it made all the difference in times of trials. In order for us to really shine and be a light for Christ we have to fill ourselves with the right oil. I believe regularly being in a community of Christ-followers makes up part of the oil that fuels our light.
I encourage you to fellowship with other Christ-followers as often as you are able. When we mix and mingle with others we experience new knowledge and a fresh new approach to our faith. When we come together sharing in this way, God begins to speak!
Go ahead, I encourage you and others to step out of your comfort zone and have faith that God will meet you there. It is in these very moments when I step out, God shows up and just rocks my world! It is crazy good!
A reminder of our verse that we are praying over and hiding in our hearts…
Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. Psalms 34:5
Together, let us continue to read His words, reminding ourselves of our worth, our purpose and be confident we have a light to shine.
be radiant,
catch up here…
