Sandy Hook UMC
1610 Taylor Road
Columbus, IN 47203
www.sandyhook.org
church@sandyhook.org
church:812-372-8495
daycare:812-375-9538
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Greetings in Jesus' name,
I’ve been thinking and praying again. Lent causes some of those things to come to mind. The Easter celebration, the coming of spring, and thinking about life causes deeper ponderings and maybe closer listening. I have been praying about the body of Christ here at Sandy Hook.
In the second half of Romans 14, Paul says building each other up is the secret to building a loving church. He says it’s not enough to just accept or tolerate the people you don’t get along with in the church. Instead, he says we need to actively build each other up. Romans 14:9-Let us concentrate on things that make for harmony and the growth of our fellowship together. Paul says you should concentrate on two things: (1) that which makes for harmony, and (2) that which helps the church grow. So we are instructed to aim at those things that bring peace and health, that strengthen one another. According to Paul, there are five ways we are to build others up.
First, we are committing ourselves to building each other up. Determine this with me: From this day forward I’m going to make it one of my goals in life to build up those around me. Imagine what would happen if even a few of us committed to building up everyone we come in contact with. Blessing would come to those being built up and those doing the building up. Paul asks that we make this building up the goal of life. Life is tough, and there are enough discouraging people in the world. Be encouragers. The strong believer needs to grow in love and the weak believer needs to grow in knowledge.
Second, we recognize the value of every person. Rom. 14:15b-Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. They may be obnoxious; they may be immature; they may be disagreeable, but Christ died for them. When you start to get upset with someone in the fellowship just remember: Christ died for that person. It shows how valuable and important they are to God. I have no right to hurt people Christ died for. Stay attuned to their importance to God.
Third, we must maintain our focus on the things that are really important. Paul says what you eat and drink are not the burning issues of life. The essence of Christianity is not external, but internal. By focusing on the things that are internal-eternally important-we can then put up with a lot of external quirks, faults, and faux pas. Harmony and relationship in the body of Christ are broken over the most trivial things. We must not be sidetracked by minor issues. When the world looks at us, their first thought shouldn’t be, “He’s got every jot and tittle crossed.” Instead, they ought to be able to see righteousness, peace, and joy flowing from the Holy Spirit through us.
Fourth, we must limit our liberty (freedoms) out of love for each other. When my personal freedoms limit the work of God, then I’ve got a problem. This is extremely hard for me personally. I take my freedom seriously. However, I have to be sensitive to how my freedom potentially causes a weaker brother to stumble. We are to limit our personal freedoms in order to encourage and minister to others. I come to grips with it this way. Other people’s souls are far more important than my freedom to be me and do everything my way.
Finally, we will build others up by not forcing our opinion on others. We will not make disputable issues a test of fellowship. We do not get to decide who is living Christ-like. Paul, says on these disputable matters, keep them between you and the Lord. Go ahead and enjoy your freedom, but don’t flaunt it. Enjoy. You can practice your freedom without parading it. God even admits there are some people you can’t get along with. In that case it is not so much your problem as theirs. Allow the Holy Spirit to help you determine when you are dealing with a legitimate stumbling block and when you are dealing with another believer who is simply unpleaseable. Take it to God, see what He says.
The result of building each other up is a spirit of unity that glorifies God: “So with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” God is glorified in the unity of the fellowship of believers. When Christians are united, it is a beautiful testimony. Verse 13 says a unified church is marked by joy, peace, hope, and power: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust him, so you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” I must be a part of that fellowship. We aren’t perfect but we can and are growing in joy, peace, hope, and power. Make your personal commitment now.
In Christ's Service,
Steve
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