Over lunch yesterday a friend of 40
years and I just talked – about kids, church, politics, and life. Our time is
not just enjoyable, it provides me with insight and balance in my life. In another exchange, a friend provided some insight
on a project which did not just endorse my proposal, but rather offered a critique
that helped me to think it through. That advice was of great value! Proverbs tells
us that "Plans go wrong for lack
of advice; many counselors bring success. Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it
is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!" (Proverbs
15:22-23, NLT)
Friends give us a place
to spill our inner thoughts, to gain a right perspective, steering us away from
something we might find regrettable, pointing us towards the right way. Do you
have a circle of advisors? Maybe you call them friends, colleagues, family, or
fellow church members. Whoever they are, I hope you realize their value in your
life!
King David nicknamed his inner circle "the
Mighty Men." "David’s
Mighty Men, ...linked arms with him as he took up his kingship..." (1
Chronicles 11:10) They were allies, encouragers, advisors, and they surrounded
him with support. In the book of the Acts which tells us the stories of the
first generation of Christians, there were councils that were called from time
to time when the Church faced thorny issues requiring wisdom. Leaders like
Peter and Paul were decisive and bold, but they were also willing to let God
speak to them through the counsel of their friends and co-workers. In those
stories we find that sometimes the debate was sharp and words pointed! Feelings
got hurt, too. But, with the help of the Spirit, those early church leaders
kept their eyes on the goal and built Christ's Kingdom, not their own!
Are there people in your life that you have invited to speak truthfully to you,
no matter the situation; or are you a "Lone Ranger" falsely convinced
that you can do life on your own? I am
not naïve about people! Some people who I believed to be my closest friends have
hurt me, walking away, or becoming nothing but critics. Others I leaned on were
unreliable or self-serving, using our relationship for their own profit. None-the
less, I believe that living with friends, building community, is the wise
choice, ultimately the richest life, and God’s plan for us.
Christians are called into the Church.
One of the post-COVID tragedies is the choice of so many not to return
to regular fellowship with others in worship and service. We need more than an online experience, more
than a once or twice a month connection to the congregation. Something beyond
our understanding happens when we gather in Christ’s Name – the Spirit moves
among us. When we hear the Word, there
is a supernatural gift of wisdom. When we share the Cup and Bread, the mystery
of His Presence unites us or at least it ought to where Jesus is truly
worshipped.
Christians are to be marked by love. That
does not mean all will be ‘sweetness and light.’ True love requires that we lay down our ego,
to 'die to self,' and to become servants to one another. When we are obedient
to that call, we gain so much. Yet, tragically, in our time of emphasis on
radical individualism, we are so quick to discard relationships with those who
challenge us, who offer counsel that does not soothe us, or seem to affirm us.
Let's take that descriptive line from the experience of the Mighty Men and 'link
arms!'
Let's go beyond romantic notions of fellowship that only values the 'warm fuzzies' that come from the good times of fun and laughter, to build a real team –
- that builds our character,
- that multiplies our efforts in life, and
- that calls us to the highest and best in the cause
of Christ.
Take this word from the Word with you today. Ask God, the Spirit, to teach you how to build a circle of counselors in your life. "Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, NLT)
(Video of this blog at this link)
____________________
This Ruff Taff song is 40 years old but rich in the call to real friendship!
Sometimes it's hard for me to understand
Why we pull away from each other so easily
Even though we're all walking the same road
Yet we build dividing walls
Between our brothers and ourselves
But I I don't care what label you may wear
If you believe in Jesus you belong with me
The bond we share is all I care to see
And we'll change the world forever
If you will join with me
Join and sing sing
You're my brother you're my sister
So take me by the hand
Together we will work until He comes
There's no foe that can defeat us
When we're walking side by side
As long as there is love
We will stand
The day will come when we will be as one
And with a mighty voice
Together we will proclaim that Jesus
Jesus is King
It will echo through the earth
It will shake the nations
And the world will see see that
Take me by the hand
Join with me
Join and see yeah
CCLI Song # 10642
James Hollihan | Russ Taff | Tori Taff
© 1983 Curb Word Music
CCLI License # 810055
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