How well do you know the members of your church?

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:4 (NKJV)

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 (NKJV)

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10 (NKJV)

How well do you know the members of your church?

I caught myself doing it again, being distracted and ignoring a fellow church member that was trying to talk to me. 

We all do it.  We fail to really connect to the person standing next to us.  When asked later what were you talking about, you don't have the faintest idea. 

Sadly, most people are not very attentive or observant; and because they are not very observant, hurting people - people we really care about, our Brothers and Sisters in Christ go unnoticed.  A church worker slips back into alcoholism and no one notices. The signs were there but no one seen them.  A failing marriage is overlooked. A teenage girl is bullied and is thinking of suicide and one knows.

Without question the local church is and should be a place where the lost can find Christ, but it is also a rescue center for sinking saints.  The church is the people and place where unity, love and understand can be found.  It is a place where the smallest child does not go unnoticed.

Although, scripture instruct us to care for those in the local church, there are few sermons instructing us to be aware - to observe - to listen to our Brothers and Sisters.  The are part of the family.

You obey the law of Christ when you offer each other a helping hand. Galatians 6:2 (CEV)

How observant are you?  Test yourself with the video below.

Love Is Like A Might Oak

Today's Wisdom Tidbit is a Snippet from For His Glory: A Kaleidoscope of Wisdom and is used with permission. Get another peek into Pastor Jim's book by Clicking Here.

Love is like a mighty oak. It can weather the storms of life and withstand the heat of opposition. But even the might oak must be watered to live. Love must be nurtured to survive and grow. Nurture your love for your spouse, your children, your family, your friends, your neighbor, and above all for your Lord.

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. -John 13:34

The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts By Gary Chapman / Northfield Press Marriages may be made in heaven, but they must be nurtured here on earth. In this new paperback edition of Dr. Gary Chapman's bestselling book, The Five Love Languages, he explains how people communicate love in different ways, and shares the wonderful things that happen when men and women learn to speak each other's language. Chapters are categorized by love language and each one ends with simple steps to express a specific language to your spouse and guide your marriage in the right direction. Paperback. A Focus on the Family recommendation.

Love and Safety

Love and safety are two gifts every living thing desires. When you provide an environment where unconditional love can be found and safety is assured, you can always count on a positive result. This is true with children and spouses! By giving enormous amounts of unselfish love and by being consistent with providing an atmosphere of safety you will develop great relationships.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. -1 Peter 4:8 NIV

Shut Up! Daddy's Watching Football!

The crime of kidnapping is based on this premise: The family loves the victim more than their money. Without that basis, kidnapping would be futile. Yet, every day we claim and express in words our love for others but often put our substance and/or our desires before the one we claim to love.

Take for example a young boy our family tried to help. His father often expressed his love to his son in words but in practice he put a series of things before his son in the following order: Daddy’s Corvette, Daddy’s Boat, Daddy’s Job and Daddy’s New Wife (The new wife was well aware of the order).

While most of you reading this wisdom tidbit would not fit into the above extreme, many would in a less obvious manner. Work followed by rest comes before time with the kids. The new sofa in the “living room” is strictly off limit – thus making “the living room” an oxymoron. Watching football is more important than playing football. Hopefully, you are getting the idea.

What is today’s wisdom tidbit? The order by which you rank your loves speaks louder than words. Follow @pastorbarr

Comments welcome! Both Yea and Nay!

This site is made possible in part by Pastor Jim's book, For His Glory: A Kaleidoscope of Wisdom. Please consider adding it to your reading list. Find out more by Clicking Here.