The Fellowship of Suffering...

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." - 1 Peter 5:8-9

Elijah complained in 1 Kings 19:14, "I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” To this the Lord responded in verse 18 with, "Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him." In the face of spiritual warfare even pastors may feel alone in the battle, but we will find new courage when we remember that there are others who are fighting with us. We're strengthened by the Lord and inspired by the fellowship of suffering.

As Peter wrote to the early church under severe persecution, he charged them to resist the devil and stand firm, because there were others in the fight as well. To be encouraged to remain steadfast, Peter reminded them that they were not alone in the battle. Just as with Elijah of old, there were others who were suffering persecution but were remaining true to their faith and calling. There was strength in Lord and inspiration in the fellowship of suffering.

Shepherds of the flock will always face lions, and tigers, and bears... Oh, My!! The spiritual warfare will be difficult and the pressure will be great, but we are never alone in the battle. Be steadfast my pastor friend, resist the devil and stand firm in your faith and care for your flock. Take time to remember, there is strength in Lord and inspiration in the fellowship of suffering.

~ PJVS

 

Relational Harmony...

"Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity." -  1 Timothy 5:1-2

Of all those who have darkened my office door for counseling, the problem of broken relationships has been most common. People just can't seem to get along with each other. Whether they be family members, fellow believers or staff members at your church, healthy relationships can be hard to maintain. Relational harmony begins with the way we treat one another.

The elder statesman gave wise counsel to the younger pastor when he emphasized proper treatment of age and gender. Paul knew that true community depends on mutual respect, honor and purity. It's not always "what" we say as much as it is "how" we say it. Words can heal or hurt, and as Solomon wrote in Proverbs 16:24, "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."  Relational harmony begins with the way we treat one another.

How do you speak to those who are older than you? For that matter how do you speak to your peers and those who are younger? The choice of words, tone of voice and body language can be a "make or break" in your relationships. Be wise and think before you speak because... Relational harmony begins with the way we treat one another.

~ PJVS