Community. Small groups.
The concept that so many churches now operate on. We, as a couple, have been in good small groups. We have also been in small groups that we did not enjoy. And then, there is the small group that we absolutely LOVE! That is the one we are currently a part. We have been a part of our group for over a year now. It only just hit me on Friday night what the component is that makes it great…..
Our small group involves people of varied ages, occupations & stages in life.
Yes, that is what makes it great.
Friday night, I listened to a conversation between a primary physician & my husband, who is a manager at a car dealership. I listened. What I heard has been speaking into my heart for days. The doctor was genuinely interested in hearing about the manager’s week as it entailed the mechanics of cars, which in his own words, “he finds fascinating.” The manager, on the other hand, was interested in hearing about the doctor’s week as it entailed the mending of people, which he finds interesting. Neither man possessed the gifts of the other. Both men are deeply gifted in what they do. Yet each thought more highly of the other than of themselves.
Interestingly enough, we started, as a group, Rick Warren’s “40 Days In The Word.” He encourages us in this first week to read through the entire book of Philippians. In so doing, I discovered that these men beautifully displayed the manner in which we all have been instructed to live:
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness & compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit & purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. (Philippians 2: 1-4 NIV).
Small groups can be where our differences cause us to grow & mature in Jesus. It truly can be that “shot in the arm” that we need on any given week. I am finding that while the message is always preached on Sunday mornings, there are times that the message is spoken even more loudly & clearly in our actions & interactions. These two men spoke an entire message to me- – – in & through their conversation with each other & unbeknownst to either of them.
It’s not great talents that God blesses, but great likeness to Jesus.
Robert Murray M’Cheyne
Today, may I be more like Jesus in all that I do, with each person that I speak & interact.
More of Him. Less of me.
