So, what's there to learn about today?! Relationships. Community is so vital and necessary for our growth as people.
Here's a question though. Some times we get "bound" to folk who can't listen well, don't behave properly, or want to do whatever it is their heart desires. What do you do when that constantly conflicts with what you believe as a person? You might continue to stay a while.
You may sit there and ponder what should be done OR you just may question "how long" you're going to stick with this and then #exitStageLeft
Let's jump right into it: I'm big on relationship building; more specifically, community. I feel strongly that the needs of the community generally tend to outweigh the needs of the individual in many cases, due to the collective nature of benefit which comes from communal living. In the Book of Acts, the church had many participants who acted as part of one body. Everyone's needs were met and no one was lacking anything. This means that people pooled together resources (i.e. Similar to risk pooling in insurance) in order to ensure that everyone had everything they needed.
O great and eternal God, we come to you now thanking for the gift of your Faithfulness.
Your mercies are new everyday.
You delight in our pain and suffering which drives
You delight in our pain and suffering which drives
us to our knees in search of greater relation with you.
Be with us on this day and throughout this week.
Show us how you continue to live, move and breathe through your people.
May we come to understand "how long" we've been called to the tasks of life.
Amen.
Let's jump right into it: I'm big on relationship building; more specifically, community. I feel strongly that the needs of the community generally tend to outweigh the needs of the individual in many cases, due to the collective nature of benefit which comes from communal living. In the Book of Acts, the church had many participants who acted as part of one body. Everyone's needs were met and no one was lacking anything. This means that people pooled together resources (i.e. Similar to risk pooling in insurance) in order to ensure that everyone had everything they needed.
Within the context of communal living undoubtedly there are "rules" or certain tenets that those involved must follow and adhere to. One of the toughest issues to face is when someone within the community who is to ascribe to said tenets fails to follow through in doing so. This can bring great strife on the individual not following through as well as those who make attempts to show the individual the error of their ways.
Think of it this way: Each household (i.e. Family, Housemates, etc) has amongst themselves a set of "laws" within the house that everyone must abide by. For example, at some point everyone should take out the trash, remove the recycled items, alternate washing dishes, ensure that the bathrooms are clean, etc. All people who live within the household have (for purposes of this scenario) agreed to abide by the "rules".
How do you deal with the situation where someone all of a sudden decides to no longer be agreeable? Well, there are a number of ways:
- Negotiate-talk to them and see if they're willing to make adjustments in lieu of something
- Rebuke-call them out on it and don't be ashamed when you do; do it in love
- Correct-remind them that they are a part of a household and within it there are guidelines
- Do nothing
Now I'm going to flip to a Christian perspective on dealing with situations similar to this in the body of believers (i.e. The church universal); most directly the idea of helping immature believers transition from "milk" to "meat" (1 Cor. 3:2).
This idea of going from milk to meat is one that touches on spiritual maturity. Undoubtedly, there are a number of "believers" who are young in their faith, yet feel they know enough to make sound judgment calls with regards to the interpretation of scripture. In many circles this couldn't be further from the truth because they are still stuck on an understanding of "what their faith can do", and not what faith really IS. It is essentially what's commonly seen as these folks who are (overly) zealous and lack true knowledge and understanding. (i.e. They'll often to spew things back at you that you showed/gave them as reference material without knowing what they're talking about or even understanding the context.)
The Apostle Paul addresses this issue and many others head-on in his first letter to the Corinthians #applyDirectlyToTheForeHead***
Household
Within the household there are rules as I mentioned. The good thing about being a part of a household is that there is a collection of knowledge. "We all have knowledge". Everyone is able to hopefully benefit from this. In this context however, (1 Cor. 8:1-3) Paul speaks on how even though we have knowledge it is love that strengthens the church and therefore we must correct in love. Also, you don't know much if you're unwilling to be taught. I never understood people who had to do things their way even when you show them that there's a better way...whether that way is easier, less time consuming, you name it. It's especially odd when the person's light bulb goes off signaling they know it's a better way and refuse to do so out of pure stubbornness.
Bearing...this burden, cross, relationship
Another question one might ponder is, "Well I'm in this relationship, journey, bearing this burden, carrying this cross, what should I do?!" Let's see here. First off you should trust in God's power, as the message is made plain through the power of the Holy Spirit. The key piece that a number of people miss out on is revelation. Revelation is something that comes with faith. This is done through God's Spirit, which allows believers to "understand the mind of Christ". What does this mean? Simply put, there are people within the household who are able to access and/or understand what it is that God wants and how he wants it to be done regardless of certain people's opinions, preferences, or thoughts on the matter (1 Cor. 2:1-5, 10-16).
Anyone who's dealt with someone that is immature (in whatever respect) understands how painfully agonizing it can be at times, because in certain situations you have no choice but to deal. Since young believers aren't ready to take on something "stronger" (i.e. Meat instead of milk), there has to be a steady progression of moving towards "solid food" (i.e. Seeking stronger substance). It's incumbent upon all parties involved especially those who are spiritually mature to encourage and teach those who aren't as "up-to-par". Likewise, the immature "should not" reject the assistance being offered to them for it is of their own benefit, and more specifically the growth of the household (1 Cor 3:1-4).
Endurance, persistence, long-suffering...character
It can be extremely tough to help someone who thinks they "know it all" but doesn't know jack. What's worse is when you try to show this person the "error of their ways" using what they believe to be true. Then again if you argue with a fool you...are setting yourself up for a massive headache #LOL (Prov. 26:5-6).
What else are we called to do, for those who are in the position of leadership or being an example? For one, if you are "managing" you must be faithful and know the power and authority that has been given to you #imInCharge. Be sure that in everything you do your conscience is clear and expect the possibility of being wrong. And whatever you do, do not pass judgment on the individual, simply do what you're called to do (1 Cor. 4:2-5).
What are you called to do? You're called to judge...now I know I said don't pass judgment, but in this case you're passing judgment solely on those inside the church AND according to scripture. What does this mean? In essence, we are a part of a household that follows a set of rules. If one of us doesn't follow the rules it's up to the others to pull them aside and say, "Hey you're not heeding to this Biblical principle...to know what you ought to do and not do it is a sin". (1 Cor 5:11-13).
So, what happens when a fellow "believer" (at this point you may want to question, but continue to pray) has an issue with you correcting them?! Easy, take them to the book! I was asked, "Why do you find the need to test my Spirit and correct me?!" Well, because we submit to God, and we also have to submit to whomever he's given authority to. Here again, to know what you ought to do and not do it, is a sin (James 4:5-10, 17). If I understand that I'm at a point where I'm mature in the faith I owe it to God to help you wherever I can. This isn't a sales pitch or trying to get in your business, but a true genuine effort to help you grow...maybe the key is IF they want to grow. #thingsThatMakeUgoHmm
Wrap-it-up!
So here we are. What else can be said? Well, for one the Lord is faithful. We also must remain faithful by doing what we're commanded to do, as this goes for those who have been placed in authority over us as well. This will allow the Lord to give us a "full understanding of the love of God" (Many "believers" lack the understanding of the love of God). It's important to live in a way that is not seen as idle. If you aren't applying the scriptures directly and properly in their context you're living an "idle life". This should cause one to #ringTheAlarm #shotsFired (2 Thess 3:1-7, 14-15).
Exit
It's never an easy proposition to call to end something that you feel you should do; however, you can't waste time and resources on people who refuse to do what they ought to #sinning
In 2 Timothy 3:1-9 Paul speaks to Timothy giving him encouragement for his upcoming leadership position. Timothy was a young leader in the church and needed to be encouraged for the task before him was great, especially since Paul was rounding out the end of his life. The message to Timothy was simple, people will believe what they want to believe and how they want to believe it. "Men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith." #noProgression
You've got to do what you're called to do...I'm called to leave...
In Col. 3:12-17 it goes on to say this...we have to have humility. How does one have humility when they don't accept correction? We are also to live in peace...that's really peaceful, not abiding by the rules of the household #sarcasm We must continue to bear in patience. I don't disagree but at some point you got to let...it...go! Teaching and giving wise counsel is of the utmost importance, but a fool spurns wisdom.
So, when it's all said and done...when you're wondering how long; chuck em if you have too #deuces and then GIVE THANKS b/c you can't waste production on people who refuse to ABIDE by the Word by getting in the Word.
-liMitz
Why?
The quick skinny:
- I'm tired of your mess and hope that you'll be blessed, but as for now you get the boot...#deuces to ya stress!
What does this mean for me? #theReader
This means you need to abide by the rules of your household. When people who should abide by them don't the situation should be rectified or they should be released.
For further insight: Read- A Few Thoughts
For further insight: Read- A Few Thoughts
This is F.U.N. (For Ur Needs)
Use your KEYS
- Know that not everyone who says they are with you, are "with" you
- Expect to be rejected for sticking to what's true especially when it says so in the "rules"
- Your commitment to your convictions will cause you to grow in character
- Stay true to you and the household
Challenge
- Think about stuff that you've been hanging on too...and let it go.
Bob Ya’ Head #doubleFeature
Nothing to Say (ZG ft. D-Flow )
Give Thanks
***head-on
