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A Lonely World
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[January 20, 2011]
--"Do not speak harshly to an
older man, but speak to him as to a father, to younger men as
brothers, to older women as mothers, to younger women as
sisters—with absolute purity."
-1 Timothy 5: 1-2
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This can be a lonely world. We are taught
to keep our problems to ourselves, and look out for number one.
We are told that compassion is for the weak, and that if we have
problems we need to pull ourselves up by our boot straps; if we
fall down, rub some dirt on it and keep playing. No doubt we
are taught to be tough, self-reliant individuals. Yet this is a
model for failure, and it is not the teaching of Jesus Christ.
When we try to do everything ourselves, when we buy into the
belief that we are completely on our own, we ready ourselves not
for success but failure. Few are those who have lived this life
and succeeded without the support, help and encouragement of
others. Rather, we are called to view things in a different
way.
In 1 Timothy, Paul writes here about
family, and he is reminding Timothy and his congregation how we
are to relate to one another; as a family. Christianity is the
ultimate communal religion. Men and women are called together
not to pursue our own individual goals and dreams, but to work
collectively to do the work of Christ and, in so doing, to build
up one another. Did you know that the number one problem for
young people in our country, according to them at least, is self
esteem? And the young, as we all know, grow into the old. Most
of us, if we are honest, don't think too highly of ourselves,
but the Church of Jesus Christ has something to say about this,
it has kind words, loving arms, and welcoming doors. The Church
is a family where all are welcome to come together. So this
week, as you consider your life, remember that you are not
alone, but are surrounded by a grand, eternal family.
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Prayer: Holy God, thank you for the gift of a spiritual
family. Help me to be a benefit to those around me, as they are a
benefit to me. Help me to seek out community in the church, and to
do your work. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
[Phil Blackburn, First Presbyterian Church]
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