Good service this week. It was based upon the fact that we need to develop circles of fellowship rather than just sitting in the rows, or pews of a church, unattached.
Ecclesiastes 4:10 says “If one falls down, his friend can help him up.” This isn’t just physical falling, but spiritual falling as well. If we are alone, we may have a hard time getting up, but if we have others in our circle of fellowship, we can get help and lean on the support of others who are there to help us to grow. We need to leverage the concept from Ecclesiastes 4:9 where it says “Two are better than one”. Our spiritual journey will be better if it is done in a community rather than as a singular person trying to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps. That saying is great except for the fact that WE don’t really have the ability to do anything that is lasting. Christ gives us the power and strength to do those things that will last for eternity.
I really like this concept as it reminds me of my marriage to my wife. Our wedding theme from 25 years ago was Ecclesiastes 4:12 “A cord of three strands is not quickly torn asunder.” In the case of our wedding, we looked at those three strands as the husband and the wife having their lives inter-twined with God. Just like a rope, our lives are braided together, and if one of those strands is also Christ, you have an incredibly strong line that will help you to live in such a way that God is Glorified.
Don’t try going through life alone, pulling yourself up by your bootstraps. You can’t do it. You need other Godly and righteous people who care and are willing to help you do what is best for you in Christ.
If you aren’t in one already, join a small group. If you are already in a small group, challenge those around you to stretch themselves a little and get out of their comfort zone.
See the post below from October 20, 2012 called “Get out of the Boat” and consider what your next steps are to step out of the boat and join Christ walking on the water.