I don’t know how others feel, but I have no problem seeing myself as the sinner I am. I know I have good points, but I also have flaws. Those we happen to have the opportunity to help are like us in many ways, often more than they know or than we let on. I sometimes actually have trouble in applying this thinking to other believers because I feel like they are further along in their spiritual journey, until I get to know them and see that they too are serving while imperfect. The fact that they share things that reveal some of their flaws encourages me to start to open up about mine.
I often feel like I have no one to turn to but God. I know I have many flaws, but in front of others I feel like I’m supposed to hold up this ideal image and if I display anything that’s not godly I have failed as a Christian. I don’t want to be a stumbling block to anybody. I don’t want to bring anyone down that was doing well or disappoint those that are further along than I am. And while I’m not proud of myself as I know any spiritual progress I have made so far is only due to the mercy and grace of God, I fear the shame that may come from those that seem like “Super-Christians.” They intimidate me a bit as darkness hides from the light and I don’t want to show that I’m not the “Super-Christian” I may appear to be. Satan is a great accuser and Christians aren’t immune from the sin of pride, but they don’t need to voice what I’m likely already thinking. I don’t need help in pointing out my flaws. Someone shared that sometimes people can see in you what you can’t see in yourself. I think that’s why we have to build each other up. If someone is ignorant of their sin, they won’t repent so by all means we should share the Word and help correct them. However, sometimes we also need people to point out the good and help us build on that. Focus on the good so we can increase that. Light can overtake any and all darkness, but sometimes that takes time and patience as we walk alongside others that may not share our knowledge or views. God’s definitely been patient with me, and I’m patient with others, so why do I end up thinking others won’t understand if we’re all basically in the same place? Sinners in need of a Savior. In the “Helping Without Hurting” portion of the core trainings I’m going to, one of the main themes was that anyone in ministry is going alongside brothers. Nobody is perfect and we’re not coming down to people as if we have it all together because we don’t. We’re all lacking in some ways, need Jesus, and ought to be building each other up. We are working together, loving and serving one another, and ministry is a partnership. It goes two ways, between those ministering and those being ministered to. While we help others, they in turn help us. And that’s how it should be. Encourage one another. Even those in ministry need help and encouragement, not just the ones they are serving. We get to minister to one another. So confess your sins to one another (James 5:16), bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), and encourage and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). This idea was on my mind last week, as I found myself being ministered to. God knows the timing of His lessons for us. The exact words I needed were shared on the exact day I most needed them. I had to hold back my tears more than once, and others in the room were ministered to as well just by us going through the book and others simply sharing their experiences or thoughts. I was struggling against negative thoughts and fear that day, but we started by going over some Scriptures and one of them I especially needed reminding of in that moment. “Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8). Someone else said, “Why kill yourself for a job that will replace you 1 week after you’re dead?” These brought to mind the Scripture verses that say “everything works together for the good of them that love God” (Romans 8:28) and to “do all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). The Holy Spirit definitely does bring things to our remembrance, and God speaks through His word and His people. You never know who might benefit from your words. Even if we know them and remind others of them, sometimes we need a reminder of the very same words! “Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Remember that there is one body with many parts, and no part is insignificant (1 Corinthians 12:12-26). This week, someone shared how they are afraid to make mistakes and another how they used to be afraid to open their mouth and share. I often feel the same way, but it was encouraging to hear that from other believers who seem to “have it together” or be more “mature” in their walk. Sometimes I also want to write and plan everything out, but God says “do not worry about what you will say for you will be given the words” (Matthew 10:19) and the Holy Spirit “will bring all things to your remembrance” (John 14:26). Another shared that when she didn’t feel like going to church or reading Scripture, she would pray for help from the Holy Spirit. I sometimes haven’t always felt like going to church, but those times that I wasn’t feeling it and went anyway, I didn’t regret it and what was shared was often what I needed at the time. Someone else shared that our spiritual life is more like a roller coaster than a straight upward progression. I completely agree. I’d like to think though that it’s a roller coaster that also gets higher over time rather than staying stagnant. We should be growing as Christians so that even if we fall, it’s not as far down as it would have been in the past and with God’s help we can keep going up. People in the group have shared some personal things, and I thank them. If you don’t have a small group of believers you can share with, I’m definitely beginning to see the benefit of it. I might struggle to share and be vulnerable sometimes. Sometimes it’s just hard because maybe I don’t want to cry and so I avoid saying anything. It can be because I feel like I should be setting an example, like with new Christians or with the world that can be quick to point a finger and would just use it as another excuse to stay away. It can also be especially hard to share with those that seem to “have it all together,” but often it’s just that we don’t know the person well enough yet. I certainly don’t think I’m better than others. I understand we’re all at different parts of our walk with Christ and God’s ultimately the one that keeps drawing us closer to Him. So why do I sometimes think of others as being in a “better” place spiritually than I am? It may or may not be the case, but we should all be humble about where we are and know that anyone can minister to anyone. Even people with flaws can minister, and we all have them. We can help each other recognize them, grow, and do God’s work in spite of them or sometimes even through them. My dad recently commented that back when one of my aunts was dying of cancer, he’d thought he was going to encourage and minister to her and in the end found that she ministered to him with her strength and faith. I don’t know how I appear to others, but maybe I should try to open up more. When people ask “how are you,” my go-to response is usually “good” even if that’s not always the case. I tend not to let people in on my struggles. However, if I don’t open up, how can I expect others to feel comfortable opening up to me? I’m only starting to feel a bit more comfortable in this new group of people because they are taking the first steps in sharing about themselves. I had started the training back in the summer but couldn’t finish it till now. The class is only once a week, but it took about 6 or 7 weeks for me to feel comfortable enough to start raising my hand! This is about the third week this time and I hope I can start sharing without feeling so nervous or self-conscious. If they’re sharing things that have helped me, the least I can do is share things that might help them. After all, Jesus said “where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). This experience is showing me that we all in a sense may appear to be one way, but really all have our own struggles. Last week’s topic hit too close to home for me and I could not share as I was in the middle of what we were discussing. This week I’ve (mostly) come out on the other side and can reflect back, but I still don’t know what’s to come exactly. Though inclined to fear, I trust God more than ever and I’m thankful for everything. Good and bad. So in the end, ministry really goes multiple ways. People minister to others, who in turn minister to them. They also minister to each other and God also ministers to us through them and others. It’s like a never-ending circle of ministering. So never hesitate to give any words of encouragement, no matter how small they may seem. God’s working in all our lives and no role, deed, or words are too small. Comments are closed.
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DisclaimerWhile I love open discussions, not all internet users are kind. I'd like to build people up, not have others cut people down. Therefore, no comments, but feel free to email me if there's something you'd like to share with me. Archives
July 2020
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