Ignoring Others
As Christians, we cannot ignore our manifold responsibility to other believers. 

The Bible gives us specific commands about how we are to relate to one another. We were never meant to be an island unto ourselves. 

Recently I saw the movie on TV starring Tom Hanks called “Cast Away”.  I don’t know why, but I have always enjoyed reading and learning about people who endure incredible circumstances and survive. I always try to put myself in their place and wonder,” What would I do in their place”?

Anyway, as I was watching the movie I became intrigued by Tom Hank’s character’s need for communication. The “Cast Away” eventually invented “Wilson” a volleyball friend that he could share his day with and ask questions of from time to time.  Oh how he longed for one other person to share his thoughts with and be encouraged to keep on in his struggles.

Our heavenly Father never intended us to live in isolation. The Christian life is one of relationships – first with God and then with each other. Yes, sometimes close relationships can be uncomfortable or inconvenient. But they are tremendously important in the Kingdom of God.  

We live in a world that is increasingly fragmented and isolated. Much of our communication with each other is being done by e-mails and text messages. Now before you jump to the conclusion and think that I’m an “old fogy” and that I am against texting; that’s not what I’m saying. We are though, I believe, becoming a generation that will soon forget what real communication and relationship is all about if we continue going down this path without thought.

The other day for example, Sue and I went out to dinner and as we were sitting at our table waiting to be served, I looked around and saw a number of couples and families that were sitting next to each other or across from each other but had their phones out texting someone, checking e-mails or surfing the web. All their interaction was directed at their phones. There have been times when we also have done the exact thing; tied to our phones and not communicating together, checking Facebook messages and e-mails while we waited.

As Christians we need meaningful, uplifting connections with one another more than ever. We need to be aware, teach, and encourage one another, and our children, to be relational. One of the most powerful aspects of living in community with fellow believers is the context it provides for giving and receiving encouragement. We all need encouragement as we struggle with the demands of life. Needing encouragement is part of being human. I think Jesus provides the most powerful example of this truth. The night before His crucifixion, He said to His disciples in Matthew 26:36-38 

“Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”  He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled.  Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” 

Did you catch that, He said, “Remain or stay here and keep watch with Me”. He was fully God and fully man; yet His human nature longed for the company and encouragement of His friends as He looked ahead to the cross.

Do you have any friends that when you have a need
 you would want next to you when you go through tough times?  Jesus needed the encouragement of His closest friends at the toughest time of His life. Someone once told me that "to have friends… you must first be a friend". To develop friendships we must talk with them, get to know them better, develop relationship with them.

Look at your life today. Are you developing stronger relationships with your family and with the people around you? Are you going to church each week, sitting through the morning service and then walking out the door without ever stopping to build relationship with others?  If so, you will end up an island unto yourself. Then you’ll only have “Wilson” to talk to and he won’t be of much help. Who will you have to sit with you in your darkest hours?

Next time, I will share ways the Bible tells us how we can be an encouragement to those we come in contact with in the body of Christ. But right now, examine your life…are you relational? If not, why aren't you? What can you do to change that in your life? Maybe… it might mean… putting down the phone and actually talking? Reach out of your comfort zone this week and get to know people better and look for ways to encourage them as they walk through life.

Just a thought…not a sermon.

Blessings for today!

Your Care Pastor,

Dave Knight