Our Part

Our Part

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“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart,” Hebrews 12:1-3, NIV.

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness,” Hebrews 3:13, NIV.

As I walked I noticed debris on the street and in the parking lot of our church. During a landscape project, the workers will clean up the big stuff, but inevitably there will remain the dregs of the job. Scraps of weeds, parts of thorn bushes, and even a paper cup or two that were overlooked. These pieces of trash left behind can be kicked to the side, left for another, or cleaned up by someone who notices.

I happen to have picked up a piece of a tumble weed that was in the parking lot and threw it over the fence. Part of it stuck to the fence, not going anywhere. Hence this devotional’s perspective.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,” Hebrews 12:1, came to mind.

My weed entangled itself in the fence. (Okay my throw wasn’t all-star material.)

However, God showed me that the church body is the same. God will take care of the big stuff, sin, rebellion, and offers forgiveness and transformation. However, to finish the job—those small pieces we tend to hold on to-our “sin dregs” have got to be removed, as well.

God has asked us, the church, to partner with Him in building up the body of believers. This is true encouragement.

Yet, we don’t have the wisdom or insights that the Holy Spirit does, so I have often wondered-why does God need us for this job? Haven’t we humans proven our inability to do this well? Don’t we end up judging another or puffing up ourselves? Yet, God has asked us to join Him in making disciples. Matthew 28:19-20.

We are not to let the small stuff remain in ourselves or others. We are not to be content that it’s only a little sin and justify its existence. If we notice it in another believer, we aren’t to kick it aside, ignore it, or pass by pretending we don’t see it at all. We are to make disciples, helping others grow in God’s grace and truth. We are to come alongside the people we are building loving relationships with and gently suggest a removal of what has the potential of endangering them. Offering peace, hope and love in their surrender.

The same goes for us—hopefully others will come alongside of us and point out things we are overlooking. I’m not talking about mustard on the face, or an out-of-date hair do. I mean a sin that we don’t recognize as such, that will trip us up, if we are not careful.

It’s truly a beautiful two-way street. We need each other for what we do not or cannot see. If this is done God’s way with gentleness and love, it unifies, bonds us together, strengthens trust, and builds the church.

If done irreverently, people not only get embarrassed, but they are also hurt, and unity is destroyed.

We need not go looking for things to point out in others, that’s just ugly. But when or if we notice something that the Holy Spirit brings to our attention, we are to lovingly help them understand the seriousness of sin. That disobeying God can ruin their lives.

When done right—wow! So, let’s do it right. We begin on our knees, with the focus on ourselves. We are not striving for perfection, just holiness. Our goal is not to be exempt from someone discovering something in us. Our goal is to truly surrender to God who sees us and loves us, deeply.

(Feel free to comment below)

Father,

Your will be done. Thank You for helping us love each other deeply enough to care. If we do not—help us to keep our mouths shut.

When we notice, let it only be by Your perspective. Fill us with Your love that saves, Your redeeming grace, and a humbled attitude.

We seek You, and You alone.

Amen.