Sharing the Load

During Jesus’ ministry on earth, He often took the time to spend His time with people no one else wanted to associate with. Although there were, and still are, many social barriers that keep us from stepping over the lines of some other group of people, one big reason is TIME.

For some, the time spent in one area means another area that will suffer to some degree. We can call that "finding balance." It takes balance to determine what is worthy to put energy towards and what isn’t worth our time. When it comes to the well-being of a soul, no shortcuts should be taken; however, reality is that we can’t address every problem of every person who shows up in our circle of influence.

Consider Moses’ approach to judging the people of Israel while they were in the wilderness. Jethro confronted Moses about taking on all the problems of all the people alone. He says in Exodus 18:17, “What you are doing is not good.” Advice was good, but bearing the burden alone was not good. He advised that he assign groups to handle the “lesser” problems of the people and he would focus on the “most important” things.

In the New Testament, the church found herself in a similar situation. The people were bringing their problems to the Apostles for advice and counsel. Although they were willing to help, it wasn’t healthy for the apostles to bear that burden alone. So, in Acts 6 we read where Peter and the others called a group together to address an oversight among the widows. To ensure that all groups were being treated in a Christ-like manner, they appointed seven men who were “of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom.” Today, that example helps us to determine the role of a deacon.

Paul later gave instructions to Timothy and Titus about the kind of men that define “good repute” or “full of the Spirit and wisdom” would look like as they duplicated the process congregation after congregation (1 Tim 3, Titus 1).

It’s important to note the correlation between these two scenarios – they both served as servants and disciplinarians at times. They both had to make tough judgments and be sure to offer plenty of encouragement. But we can also see that same responsibility given to an even smaller group, but a group that everyone on the planet is part of – family. Fathers serve as an example of discipline and love; a model of instruction, protection, and guidance as well as the rebuke and one who confronts sinfulness. Both parents play a role in the development and nurturing of children, but God put the bulk of that responsibility on the shoulders of the father.

Ephesians 5:28-29, “...husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it…” Then the father is given the instructions in Ephesians 6:4, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

Be sure to encourage those appointed to nourish and cherish, discipline and instruct souls in need of guidance, whether that’s an elder, deacon, or parents.

A True Valentine to God

Valentine’s Day is a time when people take the time to acknowledge those who mean a lot to them by giving them a love note, a cute card, or things like chocolate and flowers. Regardless the sign of appreciation shown, it feels nice to be appreciated.

How would you send a Valentine to God? What would you say to show how much He means to you? Some have suggested it would be by showing up to “His services,” AKA worship service. Others might suggest, as Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, you’ll keep my commandments.”

God said this was His Number One Commandment, “You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:3) In other words, “love Me more than anything else, and when you do, you’ll care to follow where I’m leading you.”

Jesus was quickly known throughout Judea as the prophet who heals people. People from all over flocked to Him wherever He was at for healing, for food, and to hear His teaching. Jesus had something  that drew people to Him.

In John 7:3-7 we read of Jesus’ brothers trying to persuade Jesus to go to the feast of Booths where He was sure to have a following there. But they were mocking Him, since they really didn’t believe He was who He claimed. They said, “Leave here and go to Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works You are doing. For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” But Jesus didn’t go.

He wanted people to be genuinely attracted to Him, not just because of His miracles. Today it’s not different. God wants people to be genuinely attracted to Him for who He is and what He offers us. Statistics show that people consider worship to be nothing more than an empty religious ceremony. With each generation, the devotion to what Christ promoted becomes less visible.

Thankfully, what Jesus taught and demonstrated in His life is still attractive to people today. Jesus didn’t come to be served but to serve, He came to seek and save the lost, and He came to be a light for people in dark places. We too have been given a similar commission to the people around us.

To be attractive to a lost and confused world, we must be genuine, we must be compassionate, bold, courageous, and—most importantly—loving. Living in that way shows appreciation for God and sends Him a true Valentine.