Tag: fellowship

Pursuing Peace Among Brethren (Phil. 4:2-3)

I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. (Phil. 4:2-3)

Throughout Paul’s epistle to the Philippians there are a number of references concerning the need for, and importance of, unity. In the opening chapter he charged them to strive together for the faith of the Gospel (1:27), and in the opening verses of the following chapter he called them to make his joy complete by being of the same mind (2:2), and to do nothing out selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind to esteem one another better than themselves (vs.3-4). So, although the Philippians were in many ways a model church, between the exhortations for unity and humility, one could ‘read between the lines’ and suppose that there was some issue that Paul was confronting. Well, such a supposition is confirmed in the second verse of chapter four. There we see what was, at least, the primary interpersonal issue that Paul had on his heart. He wrote, “I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.”

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Beware the Busyness Syndrome

Beware the Busyness Syndrome.

Granted, for some a touch of the “busyness syndrome” would be a good thing. It’s as though ‘hyper-busyness’ and laziness are on either sides of this spectrum. The Bible speaks to both ends. For our consideration today we will give attention to the former.

In Luke 10:38-42 we find Martha “distracted with much serving” (vs.40). In her busyness she neglected that which was most needful; namely, sitting at Jesus’ feet. Martha’s tendency is emblematic of many ‘type-A’ personalities. Being wired for production and enjoying labor are very good things. The Bible often commends such behavior (Prov 12:24;13:4;14:23; Col 3:23). But too much of a good thing is bad when it leads to the neglect of that which is greater, or needful.

Some can become so busy that they neglect ministering to, or spending time with, their families. Others can become so committed to their work that they make church fellowship take the back, back seat. Some can enjoy laboring for the glory of Christ but neglect communing with Christ in prayer. These are just three of the symptoms of having come down with the busyness syndrome.

Clearly, each of the aforementioned ramifications aren’t good. They need to be addressed and changed so as to avoid sin and relational damage.

How, then, do you avoid the busyness syndrome? We’ll consider three ways.

1. Keep Jesus’ words in the forefront of your mind. Jesus told Martha, “One thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her” (Lk 10:42). The good part that Mary chose was sitting at Jesus’ feet and hearing His word (vs.39). When you’re tempted to become, or stay, so busy that it leads to the the neglect of communing with Jesus, let those words ring loud in your mind.

2. Remember, Christianity can better be described as following Christ as opposed to working-for-Christ (Mt. 4:19; 8:22; 16:24; 19:27-28; Mk. 10:21, 28, 52; Lk. 5:11; Jn. 1:37-40, 43; 8:12, 10:4-5, 27; 12:26; etc.). Granted, a follower will be a laborer (1 Cor. 15:58; 16:10; Gal. 6:9), but inextricably connected to the following that happened in that 1st century context was some measure of abiding. Jesus, for instance, called His apostles and disciples to “follow Him” (Mt. 4:19; 9:9; 16:24) and “be with Him” (Mk. 3:14). And then, from that place of consistent communion, they were to do the works He called them to do. So it should be with us.

3. Keep trying to leverage your schedule to balance communion, labor, and interpersonal fellowship. If you find you’re too busy, do something to change it. If you’ve tried before and failed to be consistent with the changes you made, keep trying. Keep your current commitments but look ahead for ways to clear out the time you need to ensure balancing personal communion with Christ, with others, and the work He has called you to do. Should you need inspiration, remember that Christ, your Savior, is also your example. In Mark’s Gospel we see that Jesus rose “a long while before daylight… went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed” (Mk. 1:35). Then, after Simon and other disciples found Him, Jesus went with them to preach in towns and synagogues throughout Galilee (vs.38). The Savior well modeled keeping first things first and maintaining fellowship while being busy.

What change can you make today, or plan to make, to ensure you will not be overtaken by the busyness syndrome?

RESOURCE FRIDAY: Power Plays (2 Samuel 3:1-11)

Today we return to our Friday series through 2nd Samuel! Having left off at the conclusion of chapter two we pick up today in chapter three and the moment when the ‘anti-Christ’ partnership between Abner and Ishbosheth goes south. It’s amazing how little holds together godless unions; and such a contemplation ought to provoke appreciation for all that holds together Christ-centered relationships! That is just one of the lessons illustrated for us in this passage. There are examples of God’s awe-striking sovereignty, encouragement as it relates to the Christian’s expectation of sanctification, and a reminder that long before David’s fall in 2nd Samuel 11 there was his disobedience to Deuteronomy 17 recorded in 2 Samuel 3. Such a reminder should help us catch the little foxes of ‘unremarkable sin’ that can not only spoil the vines of fruitful Christian living but can lead to a fall with far-reaching consequences.

With that being said, may you be edified and enamored as you behold and study the revelation of God in 2nd Samuel 3:1-11.

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