LEARNING DAILY

 

I need to clarify something I wrote in the last page of the blog. A close friend and brother made me go back and read the following statement: “Nature and animals follow God-given instincts to know what to do in these times. But man, often does things in a different time than God created; he devotes the time to something different. So evil is done because it was done in a time not designated by God.”  What I meant was nature and animals do by instinct what is done in various seasons. For example, birds migrate when it is time. Some animals hibernate in the appropriate time. Humans often do not do or follow God’s instruction in the time they are given; humans devote their time to doing evil and sinful things. God never has designated a time for evil. Does that clarify this? Sorry for any confusion I created.

 

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.

 

God did not create us to be alone. He created us to live in community with one another, to have companionship. I have been fortunate to have many great people in my life who have supported me and been so important in helping me through difficult times. You know my wife has to be special to have stayed with me for so long. It is good friends like my friend who made me see what I wrote was not what I meant; pointing out my error allowed me to correct it. I have been associated with great teachers who have supported each another spiritually and emotionally during tough times.

 

Each of us need the support, help and love of family, friends, and fellow believers. When people put their time, talents, and creativity together, their working together results in far greater results than if each was working alone. As important as this is, it is not sufficient without the daily communication and companionship of God. There is no one who is able to walk the narrow way to eternal life in God’s kingdom alone, without people to help us and keep us accountable. We cannot do so without God ‘s guidance and forgiveness. “Praying without ceasing” is being in constant fellowship with God – seeking His direction and knowing He cares about everything we do and speak. It is being comforted when we hurt or struggle with circumstances we face. We become stronger as we face what goes on in the world when we know God is with us. When we use the talents and gifts He has given us we see and achieve far greater works when we recognize His presence with us than when we try on our own. The world might not recognize this but then, we are storing up treasures in heaven, not on earth.

 

I am so thankful to be a part of the body of Christ! Every person is unique and brings their own special gifts and talents that compliment others. Each member has a unique and important part to play in the body. I have tried to play a role or two that I was not intended to do; I failed pretty bad. I have wanted to play the role that others were really good at; I failed. When I realized what my particular role within the body of Christ was, I became more productive because I began to compliment and work in partnership with those I wanted to be like. “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.” More gets done for the kingdom of God when we understand the advantages of working together within the talents and gifts God has given each of us. It is good to know when I mess up that a brother or sister will let me know and help me up. That will not happen to the one who is doing things alone. I am thankful that God forgives me when I mess up, when I sin; He has promised to forgive every sin I have committed, commit, and will commit. This is not a license to sin, but the assurance that He will pick me up. I have learned that I need to do the same with those around me; that is what being a part of the body of Christ is about.