The Weekly Epistle 9/14/22

An old farmer showed up at the prestigious Kentucky Derby with his mule.  Many looked on with amazement while others laughed and shouted ridiculing remarks at the old man.  Finally, someone approached the old farmer and said, “What are you thinking?  You can’t enter that mule in this race.  This race is only for the finest thoroughbreds in the country.  Besides he cannot possibly win.”  
 
The farmer quickly replied, “Oh I am not entering my mule in this race to win.  I just thought a little exposure might do him some good.”  
 
Does your exposure around other Christians do you some good?  Do you come away from time spent in the company of God’s people stirred up, passionate, and more excited to live for Him?  That is how it should be.  As we gather as a church family, we really ought to rub off on each other in a positive way.  
 
In Hebrews 10, verse 24 it says, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”  The purpose is clear as to what is to happen as we gather.  We are to spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  That is the goal.  But we don’t reach this purpose by accident.  Just because we are all in the same room at the same time doesn’t mean we are reaching that goal.  It doesn’t even mean we are having fellowship.  We think people gathered together equals fellowship.  Does it?
 
The idea behind “let us consider” is, pay attention to; look closely at; think carefully about and/or take notice of someone.  It is to think about our brothers and sisters in Christ and considering what they need in order to grow in their walk.  
 
As you get ready for worship on Sundays, how much thought do you give to what others might need from you?  As you enter the doors of the church, how much of your thinking is about others?  How much do you consider how to spur someone on to love and good deeds?  How much do you consider being a blessing to others that will push them forward in their faith?  
 
I am not saying that every conversation has to be heavy.  Light conversation and sharing of common interests are connecting points.  We need those.  But we also need to be about the business of putting courage into each other to face the challenges of the week ahead.  
 
Let me encourage you again, if you are not a part of a community group, would you consider joining a group this year.  Sign-ups for new groups will begin soon.  There are also existing groups open for you to attend.  Speak to Rob Tacker or one of the pastors or contact the office if you want to know more about community groups.  
 
But whether to join a group or not, remember the wonderful opportunity we have to nudge people toward love and good deeds.  A little exposure around others in the family should do us all some good!  
 
Blessings, Pastor Brian