Before leaving for the Singles event in Columbus Saturday afternoon, we had only one rule: be back in time for service in Toledo. If some of us seemed happy but had very slow reflexes, a half-dazed look on our face, and merely grunted our responses to your questions Sunday, you can rest assured there's no bizarre, zombie virus running through the ministry. We were simply showing the side effects of keeping true to our word, having arrived home around 4:00 AM. We worshiped, we ate, we fellowshiped, we gamed, we danced. (And by "we danced" I mean "everyone but me." But, hey, someone had to hold up the outside walls so they didn't collapse from all that line-dance, cupid shuffle, Macarena insanity.)
The "Fellowship Monster" was in full effect yesterday, swallowing time, inhibitions, and worldly concerns like the Cookie Monster taking out a dozen chocolate chip cookies.(Does anyone else cry watching so much of his cookies end up on the floor in crumbs? Or is that just me?) It really is something to behold, seeing so many people from so many different places coming together with really nothing more than God and their dedication to Christ as their link, yet acting as if they were long lost relatives being reunited after decades of separation.
In all my moves throughout three different states, in my experiences with people from all over the world through school and being so close to NYC, and in all the various environments I've been in thanks to my 300 jobs, (Please note, that number is an estimate, the actual figure may be higher) I have witnessed a lot of interaction between strangers, families, colleges, classmates, and friends. Yet never have I seen the instant love, the unbiased approach and warmth, or the immediate depth in conversation that interaction between two newly introduced disciples can bring. It is truly unique because unlike a connection struck up between two sports fanatics, hobby enthusiast, movie lovers, or food connoisseurs, who can seem instantly bonded, the relationship between two followers of our Lord and Savior transcends any one topic. It goes deep, allowing for discussions, challenges, love, support, and understanding in every facet of our lives.
1 CORINTHIANS 6:14-16a - NIV
Gatherings like this do more for my heart and dedication to God than most because it reminds me that when two people put God first in their lives, laying down everything at His feet and seeking His guidance, wisdom and direction in all aspects, it drives home how futile it is to try and build those same type of relationships with people in the world. We are God's children and there is a fundamental difference between us and the them. And though it is our job to infiltrate the world, being a light unto them, we must remember we are not to become the world. Can we have strong relationships with people outside of the Body? Yes, but in my experience, most of those relationships when tested will often be ruined forever, tossed aside, or neglected when differences and trials arise. The world's answer is to look for a substitution, whereas Godly bonds look for the resolution.
The passage below speaks to some core differences in our mindsets. Take some time this week to look at the relationships you have. What is at the center of them? God or personal interests? Even between relationships in the kingdom, the difference could be the reason they're not as deep, meaningful, or helpful as you desire. And if that separation is giving you thoughts of perusing something more in the world, seek out Godly fellowship with haste. Sharing a like or interest with someone only takes you so far, but sharing a life dedicated to God will create bonds deep and binding. Remember, the world seeks to be friends for life, but Christians seek to be friends for eternity.
Brett "Today's encouragement is brought to you by the letter 'C'" Hibbler
I’m with you on the wasted cookies! Also glad that I’m not the only one who truly understands references to Sesame Street!
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