October 2007

09.27.2007

ne Parson’s Opinion

The Lord has blessed ARBC with new folks. I am very grateful!
Because of new folks in the fellowship, questions like these arise:

“How do I relate as a new member to the folks who were already members when I joined?”
“How do I as a long-term member of ARBC relate to new people in our fellowship?”

I do not know what you will do, but I can tell you what the New Testament teaches about relating to one another in the church:

• Romans 12:10: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
  
• Romans 12:16: “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”
  
• I Peter 5:5b: “All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

These verses teach that our posture toward fellow believers is one of sitting at their feet, seeking how we may serve them.

Our attitude should not be to have them serve us or to communicate, “I have arrived, and you haven’t.” No, our attitude, which must be communicated by words and actions should be, “My brother, how may I be of service to you as we journey together toward Home?”.

This was brought to my attention because we had some visitors on a recent Sunday night. I did not see many people greet them. Remember, Jesus brought them to our service. Be sure you maintain a posture of humility toward both members and visitors.

You think about that!
Jim

Posted by arbc at 06:53 AM