So, what’s up?

Sunday night church gatherings often include something called ‘testimony time.’ In the churches of my childhood, there were always two or three people who could be counted on to stand up and tell the same stories. When I was 12 years of age, and full of myself, I would mouth the words, familiar as they were, silently along with the speaker. Going to church on Sunday night and especially ‘testimonies’ were not my idea of fun! But, every now and then, somebody would break the routine and stand up to tell a story that was brand new, that was charged with emotion – sometimes sorrow, sometimes laughter. Those moments were great and strengthened my faith!

Disciple, we need to get together with other who are lovers of God and talk about what’s going on in our lives, our needs, our fears, our joys, and our successes. One weeps, another rejoices; all are made stronger! The Psalmist writes, "Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies." (Psalm 107:2, NLT)

God made us with the desire to be connected. Our TV cannot replace real friends. Facebook and email, as convenient as they might be, cannot take the place of in person connection. When we do get together, let’s be authentic. What made ‘testimony time’ boring in my childhood was the clichéd expressions that found their way into the words. When someone was too new to the group to adjust their story to accepted norms, it was arresting.

So, we need to just speak up, share our lives, tell our stories, and let God listen in. It’s what the godly men in Malachi’s time did. After they were challenged by the prophet to get back to living in a way that pleased the Lord, the Scripture says they had a testimony time! "Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name." (Malachi 3:16, NIV)

Are you connected?
Are you creating regular time to be with those who can help you carry your burdens, those who can laugh along with you in your joy, taking an interest in knowing what the Spirit is doing in the lives of other disciples?

Let me encourage you to start by showing up at church early and staying late. Sit down next to someone and just say, “So, what’s up?” Listen and learn! God’s in on the conversation, too.