5:91 – We Can’t Do It Alone. No Joking

#faithbites #faithjourney joking

Intro

Happy April Fools, Day! I was thinking of some practical joke or something to kick off this #faithbites, but none here as this is an important topic. We can’t do it alone. We need God and our community to help us. I just finished presenting about Micro-Scholarship with my colleagues to a national audience. The key point is you can’t do it alone. You need to be in a community of practice with people who care about you, love you and want to help you. When we try to do it by ourselves, we fail. We may ask for help in many ways, but all joking aside, we need to ask.

Questions

• Who is your community?
• How do they help you grow?
• Where is your safe space to say what you want and get feedback?
• Who speaks life into you when you need it most?

Scripture

• Galatians 6:2 –  Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
• Proverbs 27:17 – As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
• 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.

Reflection

We need each other and we need all types of people. In our communities, we need those who are like-minded to sharpen us and those who are not to also sharpen us. We also need people of high and low positions. The position doesn’t equate to value. Everyone has something to bring to the table with advice, support, and love. Keep your hearts and minds open.

As we close, remember we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. He strengthens us by providing a community of practice to love and support us. We just need to be open to their help.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for the skills and abilities you provide. Help us to use those skills to sharpen our neighbors. Help us to allow them to sharpen us. We pray for guidance and support as we do life together, through your word, and in your name, Amen.