SLIPPING THROUGH THE CRACKS
SLIPPING THROUGH THE
CRACKS
This short study is a further consideration of the topic:
"Am I My Brother's Keeper"
"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another DAILY, while it is called TODAY; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." Hebrews 3:12-13
This short study is a further consideration of the topic:
"Am I My Brother's Keeper"
"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another DAILY, while it is called TODAY; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." Hebrews 3:12-13
As time wears on and the battle for eternal souls rages, how can we actively remain valuable and effective for Jesus during these unstable and turbulent times? Over the years we have witnessed people come and go in Christ, many of whom we never really knew and perhaps forgotten, and others were very involved in our lives in one form or another. We must have a deep concern for those who seem to slip through the cracks and disappear without our notice or 'concern'(???). Perhaps we hardly notice them, or maybe they are not prominent enough to draw our attention, but most assuredly each and every soul is precious to God our Savior. We cannot do everything, but we can do something.
INDEX:
- MAY WE NEVER LOSE SIGHT OF...
- KEEPING OUR OWN FIRE BLAZING
- DETERMINE WHO IS IN YOUR REALM OF GOD-GIVEN RESPONSIBILITY
A - SLIPPING THROUGH THE CRACKS
B - TAKING PEOPLE ROR GRANTED
C - MISSING THE LITTLE SIGNS
D - NEGLECTING YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
E - FEAR
F - SO WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY IN THESES PERSONS LIVES?
- HOW CAN I HELP?
- CONCLUSION
"For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. How do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and goes into the mountain, and seeks that which is gone astray? And if so be that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices more of that sheep, than of the ninety-nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in Heaven, that one of these little ones should perish." Matthew 18:14
In this passage Jesus is using the example of a shepherd's intense care for his sheep and to what ends he will go to retrieve a missing sheep, even to the point of appearing to be unreasonable. We are not all shepherds of God's flock, nor can we burden ourselves for every person and play God, but what can we do?
1 - MAY WE NEVER FORGET OR LOSE SIGHT OF...
"Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip." Hebrews 2:1 Dearly loved brothers and sisters, we must never lose focus of what we have learned and come to know! There is a Heaven, and there is a Hell, and everyone is going to one or the other. There is a coming judgement, regardless of how irrelevant it may currently seem to this life, no one shall escape it. Jesus Christ the Lord paid for our sins and is coming back again - soon. There is going to be a resurrection for everyone, some to life, and some to damnation. "Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His (Jesus) voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation." John 5:28-29
In light of this knowledge, we of all people, must stay focused through our daily affairs to keep the fire of faith burning, the fear of God alive, and the love of Jesus our priority. May we never be so preoccupied with the cares of this life that we forget what Jesus Christ has done for us, purchased for us, and for everyone. May our hearts never become hardened to the plights of those around us, saints and sinners alike, to the point where we stop caring about them, praying for them, reaching out to them. May our love for the brethren, our fellow believers, never be so cold that we neglect to pray for, encourage, and support them. "As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you...1 Samuel 12:23 NIV
2 - KEEP OUR OWN FIRE BLAZING
The first priority is for each of us to keep our own love for Jesus blazing. If it is not blazing in us, it is very unlikely that any deep concern for others will be active. We need to be diligent to seek Him daily with all our heart, and be fervent in prayer, worship, Bible study, fellowship, and listening to the word preached by our pastors and other leaders. Jealously guard that love and devotion to Him and always be willing to submit to Him and His Word by taking up our cross to fulfill His will and not ours.
I wish to remind you, lest you begin to fret, that if you are doing your best before God daily (weaknesses considered) that you are likely already fulfilling His will for your life, aside from the improvements we are always needing to work on. But in light of our daily cares and responsibilities, may the Lord enable you to stay attentive to His voice and the express concern for His Kingdom and will. As I mentioned before, Charles Finney put it that our constant concern should be for, "the sanctification of the saints, and the salvation of sinners."
3 - DETERMINE WHO IS IN YOUR REALM OF GOD-GIVEN RESPONSIBILITY
Naturally everyone is to be a concern to us as the need arises, just as the Good Samarian was to the man who was attacked by robbers. As we go about our daily business, perhaps someone, even a complete stranger, may cross your path that the Holy Spirit has intended for you to minister to in some way or other. Typically they are tiny widows of opportunity that He gives us to share the Gospel with, pray for, or give them help or assistance in some form or other. May our hearts and minds be ever opened so as not to just pass them by like the priest and the Levite in that event.
But who are those in our life that God holds us responsible for? No doubt our family members: parents, brothers and sisters, spouse, our children, friends and so on. Those people who are directly dependent on and influenced by us. To them we serve in accordance to the demand of the relationship, both naturally and spiritually. What about the members of the church you attend, and other believers that you associate with? What does our Heavenly Father expect from us in relation to them? Our verse from Hebrews 3("...but exhort one another daily") gives us a pretty pointed instruction of how we are to be toward each other in Christ. Everyone is in a battle, much of which we are completely unaware of.
SLIPPING THROUGH THE CRACKS
TAKING PEOPLE FOR GRANTED: A very common fault which most of us fall into is taking people for granted, especially those closest and dearest to us. This is how relationships sometimes fall apart. This is how we can lose our children to the ways of the world, by being out of touch. This is also how we do not see the warning signals of a brother or sister who draws back and the next thing we know they are gone. On one hand, we do not want to be guilty of meddling, but on the other hand, we want people to know that we care about them, and that they are important.
MISSING THE LITTLE SIGNS: When a person begins to draw back or drift, there are various possible indications, like missing fellowship more and more regularly (but not necessarily for the wrong reasons, so be careful). Then there is change in the conversation, less about the Lord, and more about worldly things. Sometimes there is an increase of off-color topics or speech. Another common alert signal is complaining and or speaking evil of other believers, especially of the leadership. Another sign to be aware of is a growing interest in discussions about questionable doctrines. Are they being lured away? Questionable ethics. This is a warning in growth development when a professing believer uses unethical and dishonest tenancies in his/her dealings.
NEGLECTING OPPORTUNITIES: There are times when people are actually wanting someone to reach out, but we do not make time, ignore, or procrastinate, or even simply do not care. Are we presumptuous by assuming that they are fine, or even worst, that their struggles are not our concern? Now that actually may be so in some circumstances and you might be aware of a concern but are unable to help, or you are not the right person to step in. Notify someone who can, and then PRAY! The opportunities the Holy Spirit presents, as I have already mentioned, are often small windows, where we have a moment in time to act. Dear Lord Jesus, help us be ever so diligent to hear and obey. A serious bad habit is, "I'll do it later." You may have missed your only opportunity.
FEAR: Fear is another incapacitating force that can render us useless in a time of need, whether for ourselves or someone else. We may fear rejection or humiliation, so we hold back when perhaps we need to step out in faith. Now, I wand to say that there are definitely times when we must be extra cautious lest we get ourselves in an unhealthy situation. For instance, when reaching out to someone of the opposite sex. That can be extremely dangerous on many levels. The very best thing to do is get someone of their own gender to step in. For all these things we need prayer, wisdom, and to be led of the Lord.
SO WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY IN THESE PERSONS LIVES? Determine what the Lord is expecting you to do, and then do it. If it is prayer, then pray. If it stepping out into leadership of some kind, then step out. If it is assisting other leaders, then assist. If it is taking someone out for coffee, or inviting them over for dinner, then do so. But stay involved at whatever level and capacity God would expect of us...we are our brother's keeper. God does not call us to be spectators or by-standers. "With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be an the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18 NAS
HOW CAN I HELP?
This is truly between you and the Holy Spirit Who ultimately directs in the general as well as the specifics. There are a couple of characters mentioned in the New Testament that are good examples of serving; Timothy, Paul's understudy, and Epaphras. I have mentioned Timothy before using this verse, "For I have no one else like him who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ." NIV Again, please note the attitude and perspective of Timothy. He had a the Lord's heart and concerning God's people-their welfare. But notice the difference from the general assembly of believers. Most of us are too preoccupied with our own interests to actually stop and take time to consider the needs of others. Am I not my brother's keeper?
Let us look at what Paul says about Epaphras; He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis." Colossians 4:12-13 NIV Obviously this man was not a mere bystander in the house of God, but someone who applied himself with great effort through prayer to help secure the success of the saints. God may not be asking you to do this or something similar, but the end of the commandment of our faith is LOVE. Love works for the welfare of others. I trust that it is not too presumptuous to say that where love is, there will be help and service. This is not for us to judge the works of others, but to judge ourselves to make sure that we are walking in the faith and love of Jesus. Perhaps I should clarify, Lord does not want us to play Lord and Savior in the lives of others, nor to preach at and lecture them whenever we see them, but rather to be available and take a genuine interest in them as you and I are able. We cannot do everything, but we usually can do something.
CONCLUSION
This article is not at all meant to crack a whip or browbeat, but rather to provoke to love and good works if you are unaware of the need. These efforts are not at all a means to work your way to heaven, get the Lord's approval, or an attempt to repay our impossible debt, but rather to share Jesus' love in a genuine expression for the welfare of others. May He fill you with His joy!
INDEX:
- MAY WE NEVER LOSE SIGHT OF...
- KEEPING OUR OWN FIRE BLAZING
- DETERMINE WHO IS IN YOUR REALM OF GOD-GIVEN RESPONSIBILITY
A - SLIPPING THROUGH THE CRACKS
B - TAKING PEOPLE ROR GRANTED
C - MISSING THE LITTLE SIGNS
D - NEGLECTING YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
E - FEAR
F - SO WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY IN THESES PERSONS LIVES?
- HOW CAN I HELP?
- CONCLUSION
"For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. How do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and goes into the mountain, and seeks that which is gone astray? And if so be that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices more of that sheep, than of the ninety-nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in Heaven, that one of these little ones should perish." Matthew 18:14
In this passage Jesus is using the example of a shepherd's intense care for his sheep and to what ends he will go to retrieve a missing sheep, even to the point of appearing to be unreasonable. We are not all shepherds of God's flock, nor can we burden ourselves for every person and play God, but what can we do?
1 - MAY WE NEVER FORGET OR LOSE SIGHT OF...
"Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip." Hebrews 2:1 Dearly loved brothers and sisters, we must never lose focus of what we have learned and come to know! There is a Heaven, and there is a Hell, and everyone is going to one or the other. There is a coming judgement, regardless of how irrelevant it may currently seem to this life, no one shall escape it. Jesus Christ the Lord paid for our sins and is coming back again - soon. There is going to be a resurrection for everyone, some to life, and some to damnation. "Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His (Jesus) voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation." John 5:28-29
In light of this knowledge, we of all people, must stay focused through our daily affairs to keep the fire of faith burning, the fear of God alive, and the love of Jesus our priority. May we never be so preoccupied with the cares of this life that we forget what Jesus Christ has done for us, purchased for us, and for everyone. May our hearts never become hardened to the plights of those around us, saints and sinners alike, to the point where we stop caring about them, praying for them, reaching out to them. May our love for the brethren, our fellow believers, never be so cold that we neglect to pray for, encourage, and support them. "As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you...1 Samuel 12:23 NIV
2 - KEEP OUR OWN FIRE BLAZING
The first priority is for each of us to keep our own love for Jesus blazing. If it is not blazing in us, it is very unlikely that any deep concern for others will be active. We need to be diligent to seek Him daily with all our heart, and be fervent in prayer, worship, Bible study, fellowship, and listening to the word preached by our pastors and other leaders. Jealously guard that love and devotion to Him and always be willing to submit to Him and His Word by taking up our cross to fulfill His will and not ours.
I wish to remind you, lest you begin to fret, that if you are doing your best before God daily (weaknesses considered) that you are likely already fulfilling His will for your life, aside from the improvements we are always needing to work on. But in light of our daily cares and responsibilities, may the Lord enable you to stay attentive to His voice and the express concern for His Kingdom and will. As I mentioned before, Charles Finney put it that our constant concern should be for, "the sanctification of the saints, and the salvation of sinners."
3 - DETERMINE WHO IS IN YOUR REALM OF GOD-GIVEN RESPONSIBILITY
Naturally everyone is to be a concern to us as the need arises, just as the Good Samarian was to the man who was attacked by robbers. As we go about our daily business, perhaps someone, even a complete stranger, may cross your path that the Holy Spirit has intended for you to minister to in some way or other. Typically they are tiny widows of opportunity that He gives us to share the Gospel with, pray for, or give them help or assistance in some form or other. May our hearts and minds be ever opened so as not to just pass them by like the priest and the Levite in that event.
But who are those in our life that God holds us responsible for? No doubt our family members: parents, brothers and sisters, spouse, our children, friends and so on. Those people who are directly dependent on and influenced by us. To them we serve in accordance to the demand of the relationship, both naturally and spiritually. What about the members of the church you attend, and other believers that you associate with? What does our Heavenly Father expect from us in relation to them? Our verse from Hebrews 3("...but exhort one another daily") gives us a pretty pointed instruction of how we are to be toward each other in Christ. Everyone is in a battle, much of which we are completely unaware of.
SLIPPING THROUGH THE CRACKS
TAKING PEOPLE FOR GRANTED: A very common fault which most of us fall into is taking people for granted, especially those closest and dearest to us. This is how relationships sometimes fall apart. This is how we can lose our children to the ways of the world, by being out of touch. This is also how we do not see the warning signals of a brother or sister who draws back and the next thing we know they are gone. On one hand, we do not want to be guilty of meddling, but on the other hand, we want people to know that we care about them, and that they are important.
MISSING THE LITTLE SIGNS: When a person begins to draw back or drift, there are various possible indications, like missing fellowship more and more regularly (but not necessarily for the wrong reasons, so be careful). Then there is change in the conversation, less about the Lord, and more about worldly things. Sometimes there is an increase of off-color topics or speech. Another common alert signal is complaining and or speaking evil of other believers, especially of the leadership. Another sign to be aware of is a growing interest in discussions about questionable doctrines. Are they being lured away? Questionable ethics. This is a warning in growth development when a professing believer uses unethical and dishonest tenancies in his/her dealings.
NEGLECTING OPPORTUNITIES: There are times when people are actually wanting someone to reach out, but we do not make time, ignore, or procrastinate, or even simply do not care. Are we presumptuous by assuming that they are fine, or even worst, that their struggles are not our concern? Now that actually may be so in some circumstances and you might be aware of a concern but are unable to help, or you are not the right person to step in. Notify someone who can, and then PRAY! The opportunities the Holy Spirit presents, as I have already mentioned, are often small windows, where we have a moment in time to act. Dear Lord Jesus, help us be ever so diligent to hear and obey. A serious bad habit is, "I'll do it later." You may have missed your only opportunity.
FEAR: Fear is another incapacitating force that can render us useless in a time of need, whether for ourselves or someone else. We may fear rejection or humiliation, so we hold back when perhaps we need to step out in faith. Now, I wand to say that there are definitely times when we must be extra cautious lest we get ourselves in an unhealthy situation. For instance, when reaching out to someone of the opposite sex. That can be extremely dangerous on many levels. The very best thing to do is get someone of their own gender to step in. For all these things we need prayer, wisdom, and to be led of the Lord.
SO WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY IN THESE PERSONS LIVES? Determine what the Lord is expecting you to do, and then do it. If it is prayer, then pray. If it stepping out into leadership of some kind, then step out. If it is assisting other leaders, then assist. If it is taking someone out for coffee, or inviting them over for dinner, then do so. But stay involved at whatever level and capacity God would expect of us...we are our brother's keeper. God does not call us to be spectators or by-standers. "With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be an the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18 NAS
HOW CAN I HELP?
This is truly between you and the Holy Spirit Who ultimately directs in the general as well as the specifics. There are a couple of characters mentioned in the New Testament that are good examples of serving; Timothy, Paul's understudy, and Epaphras. I have mentioned Timothy before using this verse, "For I have no one else like him who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ." NIV Again, please note the attitude and perspective of Timothy. He had a the Lord's heart and concerning God's people-their welfare. But notice the difference from the general assembly of believers. Most of us are too preoccupied with our own interests to actually stop and take time to consider the needs of others. Am I not my brother's keeper?
Let us look at what Paul says about Epaphras; He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis." Colossians 4:12-13 NIV Obviously this man was not a mere bystander in the house of God, but someone who applied himself with great effort through prayer to help secure the success of the saints. God may not be asking you to do this or something similar, but the end of the commandment of our faith is LOVE. Love works for the welfare of others. I trust that it is not too presumptuous to say that where love is, there will be help and service. This is not for us to judge the works of others, but to judge ourselves to make sure that we are walking in the faith and love of Jesus. Perhaps I should clarify, Lord does not want us to play Lord and Savior in the lives of others, nor to preach at and lecture them whenever we see them, but rather to be available and take a genuine interest in them as you and I are able. We cannot do everything, but we usually can do something.
CONCLUSION
This article is not at all meant to crack a whip or browbeat, but rather to provoke to love and good works if you are unaware of the need. These efforts are not at all a means to work your way to heaven, get the Lord's approval, or an attempt to repay our impossible debt, but rather to share Jesus' love in a genuine expression for the welfare of others. May He fill you with His joy!
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