Donald Miller and a Follow-Up from Hogegivers International

How do you evaluate your reading? How it makes you feel? Whether or not your were entertained? The action that results in your life after reading? I am sure there are a multitude of evaluations we use when we read. Let's face it, if we are reading Sue Monk Kidd we are evaluating our reading with our the touch of our emotions. At least, that is what happened to me when I read the The Secrect Life of Bees. (Yes, I am not ashamed to admit I read this novel. It was quite touching!) When you read David Baldacci or John Grisham or Tom Clancy, we evaluate the reading by the level of intensity we feel.

But what about your Christian reading? You do read Christian authors don't you? Now there is an incredible glut of writing out there today. That is one of my fears about my blog. It just becomes a part of the cacophony of words out there to be read that contribute no value. That is certainly true of Christian books as well. There are some that do not cause us to think more highly of God or Jesus or Scripture. They tend to make us think more of ourselves. Is it bad to think of ourselves? Not necessarily, but the trouble comes when books or anything else cause us to think more about us--or more accurately, me--as the center of things. At the end of the day, in a very important way, Christian writing has to cause us to think of our lives in subservience to Christ and how we live in light of that fact.

I am very thankful for some authors whose books have crossed my path. In reading them, I have been challenged, in both emotion and action, to think more highly of God and desire him to be more glorified in me. John Piper, Marva Dawn, Mark Dever, James Montgomery Boice, Ronald Nash, CJ Mahaney, Gene Getz and Bruce Ware are just a few that have been used greatly of God to bless many in this way.

Recently I picked up a copy of Searching for God Knows What by Donald Miller. I have read interesting things about Miller. In one review, I have heard him praised. In another, harshly criticized. Now I would say I have not agreed with everything in Miller's book. But I say this, so far, he has caused me to think more highly of the God of the Bible, not some imagination of a god that is often so prevalent in many American churches. So I wanted to give you a quote and afterward, an update about Dr. Samuel Thomas from Hopegivers International about which I mentioned last week. Consider Miller's thoughts and pray for Dr. Thomas!

"If you ask me, the way to tell if a person knows God for real, I mean knows the real God, is that they will fear Him. They wouldn't go around making absured political assertions and drop God's name like an ace card, and they wouldn't be making absurd statements about how God wants you to be rich and how if you send in some money to the ministry God will bless you. And for that matter, they wouldn't be standing on a beach shouting about how they are God, twirling around in the waves. It seems like, if you really knew the God who understands the physics of our existence, you would operate a little more cautiously, a little more compassionately, a little less like you are the center of the universe."
--Donald Miller
Searching for God Knows What, p. 38

Update from Hopegivers International:


COLUMBUS, GA (March 28, 2006) -- Hopegivers International leader Dr. Samuel Thomas, who is in day 14 of protective police custody, is scheduled to be moved to the Kota Central Jail today pending trial. According to local newspapers, a judge denied bail to the Christian humanitarian leader on March 27 and has ordered him to be held in judicial custody until April 10 when he is scheduled to appear before the court again.
Meanwhile, Hopegivers’ Executive Director Mr. Michael Glenn called for donations to the Legal Defense Fund for Dr. Sam and repeated his call for letter writing. (Donations for the fund are being received at 866-373-4673.)
Mr. Glenn said while he has not had any contact with Dr. Sam, he knows that Dr. Sam appreciates the prayers of friends in America and around the world.
“This is a clear case of religious discrimination,” said Mr. Glenn. “But we are very encouraged by events like the freeing of the Christian convert Abdul Rahman today in Afghanistan.
“Governments do listen to world public opinion when Christians are falsely imprisoned like this. We need to continue to press Indian authorities with letters, faxes and phone calls to make sure that they protect Dr. Sam while in custody and that his basic human rights are restored.”
Other sources reported by phone that lawyers for Hopegivers’ Founder Bishop M.A. Thomas are seeking anticipatory bail due to his age and poor health. Both of the Thomas’ have been charged with false accusations related to “causing communal disharmony” and deny any wrongdoing.
Dr. Sam’s defense attorney, Mr. Bharat Bawa, asked the judge to maintain a special watch over the Christian leader. Hindutva radicals have promised to slay Dr. Sam and M.A. Thomas and have publicly offered a $52,000 bounty for their heads (over two million rupees in Indian currency).
“The letter-writing campaign is working” said Mr. Glenn. “Just last week, the Chief Administrator of Hopegivers’ partner, EMI, was released and more positive things are happening every day. Every major Indian newspaper has run a story condemning the extremists and it is only a matter of time until the Thomas’ are fully exonerated of any wrongdoing.”
Hopegivers International, based in the United States and directed by an international board of directors, is offering a Hopegivers Letter Writing Guidelines Kit to those who want to write officials to help secure Dr. Sam’s release. Those interested in the kit can e-mail info@hopegivers.org or call Hopegivers’ USA office toll-free 1-866-373-4673.

Playing Catch and Writing India's Ambassador to America

I rode two ends of the spectrum in helping to “turn the world upside down.” It all began on one end with a trip to Wal Mart. There, I purchased ball gloves, a baseball, a softball and a bat. The adventure then proceded out to the backyard where I spent some time playing catch with my son. We then moved on to the adventure of batting. I had read somewhere about teaching a child to bat and helping them envision hitting the ball as “smashing the bug!” Don’t ask me why, but this whole concept really took off with my boy swinging with all his might at “the bug” (a.k.a the ball). In just a few attempts, Elijah was driving the ball back to me with his new bat. There is nothing more pleasurable than the pure, unadulterated laughter of your children when they accomplish something new and you have the joy of celebrating with them.

Then it was Emma’s turn. She was particularly taken by the black and pink mitt at the store. It was not long before she was beginning to field like a pro! (Now of course, you might think this is not true…but what is involved in encouraging your children in striving to believe they CAN do it?) Before I knew it, we were ending the day with her having gone to her very first softball practice and the joy and excitement of a new adventure taking place.

I was there.

Now I have no idea if either one of my kids will go on to be professional athletes. If they are counting on my genes, they will be much better spectators than participators when it comes to sport. But this is my hope. In those small moments—like taking a catch with their dad—they will be prepared for another moment that comes in life. The moment when they doubt themselves and wonder if they can contribute and question the meaning of their lives and seek out if they are loved. At that moment, I pray they will remember a Spring afternoon, of buying a new ball glove and having a catch with their dad. I pray my Father in Heaven will embed these simple times in their minds and cause them to know their father loves them very much and that he has a Father that loves them even more. And just maybe, that will be the tool in the hands of my Father that He uses to cause my children to see the beauty and splendor of His grace and goodness.

If so, then I will be very much content in knowing I played a part in turning their worlds upside down.

On the other end of the spectrum, I spent some time writing to my Senators, Congressman and to the President. I also wrote to India’s ambassador to the United States. For you see, half a world away, there is a man, Dr. Samuel Thomas, who along with his father, M.A. Thomas, has committed their lives to serving the least and most forgotten in India. The Thomases give care for over 10,000 orphans that have been abandoned in a country known for its harsh social divisions. In the area of Kota, in the state of Rajasthan, Emmanuel Fellowship operates the largest orphanage in India. There, care for over 2,500 children is provided. Along with the orphanages are schools and hospitals to care for the most vulnerable in that nation. The work of Emmanuel Fellowship is salt and light to those thirsty and in the darkness. I have a friend from college that has experienced this work first hand many times and has led othere American believers to do the same on mission trips.

However, in that last several months, religious extremist have regularly threatened and abused these precious Jesus followers along with other non-Hindu groups. They have spread lies through propoganda and on March 16th, a group of men, dressed as police officers—without revealing credentials nor reading any rights of arrest—took Dr. Samuel Thomas into custody. He is being held and no one truly knows his condition or his status. His father, M.A., has been in hiding from these same militants—this for a man receiving the Padma Shri award, given by the president of India as the highest civilian honor in the nation to those providing the highest level of aid and help to the country’s citizens. And yet, the lives of these men and their safety is now in question. Hopegivers International (see www.hopegivers.com for more information), an American support group based in Columbus, Georgia that raises support for Emmanuel Fellowship has pleaded for Americans to pray that God would protect and release these men along with asking citizens to write to the their President, Senators, Congressmen, Ambassadors, the Prime Minister and President of India and others and ask them to bring their power and influence to bear on this circumstance. Asking these men (instruments of God, see Romans 13) to protect those that so selflessly give of themselves to in order that care can be continued to those that can not protect themselves.

In light of this, my friend has stated that Dr. Thomas has “ask[ed] crowds, in India and America, to pray for God’s Kingdom to come and increase, and that if it takes persecution, bloodshed, or death for that to happen, then pray that he would be faithful unto death.” This from a man with a wife and two sons.

If my few moments, along with the moments of others, spent before the throne of grace and spent writing to “people of influence” then that is the least I can do. If in that, God is glorified and that work can continue with strength…

if so, I will be very much content in knowing I played a part in turning the world upside down. Ultimately knowing that it is the Father in heaven that changes all things for His own glory alone.

I think when we think of turning the world upside down, we tend to think so big and so grand that any chance for us really doing such a thing seems impossible and unattainable. And in some very real ways, that is true. Who can change the heart and mind of a man so bent on destroying another man because he worships in a different way and does work he finds offensive. (“How can this be…For nothing will be impossible with God.” See Luke 1:34, 37) Perhaps that is the call in being an “upside down world turner.” It is trusting in the one that sets the world in motion and faithfully believing His good news and walking through the doors He sets before us—whether that be playing catch with my children or writing to my congressman or delivering soup to a sick friend or visiting a grieving neighbor or giving a homeless man ten dollars or dropping in on a forgotten nursing home resident or cleaning up trash in in Mississippi or sharing with the guy I meet in the airport about the Savior who has changed everything for me. Perhaps it is those things I think to be small that are in reality “the” event or moment or thing that my Lord chooses to use to turn someone’s world upside down.

Praise be to the Father that in His infinite sovereignty and wisdom, He chooses to use someone frail and ordinary like me and you to make an incredible difference in what will happen in eternity.

Oh Father, you have turned my world upside down and I thank you for the privilege to be on mission and on adventure with You as You work Your good pleasure in turning worlds upside down for your glory and for the good of those you touch. You are worth my life.

Monkeys, Company Policy and the Church

What do monkeys and company policy have in common? What affect do monkeys and company policy have on the church? A few months ago, my father-in-law sent me the following email.

“How Company Policy Begins”

Start with a cage containing five monkeys. Inside the cage, hang a banana on a string and place a set of stairs under it. Before long, one of the monkeys will go to the stairs to climb toward the banana. As soon as he touches the stairs, all the monkeys will be sprayed with cold water. After a while, another monkey makes an attempt with the same results. All the monkeys are sprayed with cold water. Pretty soon, none of the monkeys will try to climb the stairs. Now, put away the cold water. Remove one monkey from the cage and replace it with a new monkey. The new one sees the banana and wants to climb the stairs. To his surprise and horror, all the other monkeys attack him. After another attempt and attack, he knows that if he tries to climb the stairs, he will be assaulted. Next, remove another of the original five monkeys and replace it with a new one. The newcomer goes to the stairs and is attacked. The previous newcomer takes part in the punishment with enthusiasm. Likewise, replace a third original monkey with a new one, then a forth , then the fifth. Every time the newest monkey takes to the stairs he is attacked. Most of the monkeys that are beating him have no idea why they were not permitted to climb the stairs or why they are participating in the beating of the newest monkey. After replacing all the original monkeys, none of the remaining monkeys have ever been sprayed with cold water. Nevertheless, no monkey ever again approached the stairs to try for the banana. Why not? Because as far as they know that's the way it's always been done around here. And that my friend, is how company policy begins.

You can admit it. It happened to me. You read this story and found yourself nodding your head in agreement while giving a slight chuckle. Sadly, when the laughter subsides, you may find yourself staring full-faced into a stunning reality that affects you daily at your job and unfortunately, I might add, at your place of worship. In many not so subtle ways, organizations and churches become driven by some sort of policy tradition that kills any sense of desire or creativity (i.e. “going for the banana”). The policy, when left unchecked, is the very thing that squeezes the life and adventure out of people. The purpose for existence—usually so clear in the creation of a church—is then exchanged for some lesser reality. At times, it is not that the people within do not hope for something else, it is just “the policy” becomes an impenetrable wall of defense to protect the policy and the status quo. There is great fear among anyone attempting to blaze a trail lest they meet with the cryptic refrain, “Who do you think you are?” or “We have never done it that way before.”

The special challenge for a church, when it has succumbed to this reality, is that its practice can become such a mind-numbing experience and go on for so long that people never question why certain things are happening or if the practice is even useful. No one ever stops to ask, “is this helping us accomplish our purpose?” In fact, later generations may not even know to question things because they have never seen or experienced anything else. It is only on that occasional visit to a camp or retreat or to the church of a friend they see enthusiasm and passion for the things of God and then begin to wonder if there can or should be something more in their own local congregation.

The unfortunate reality of this type of church existence is the loss of powerful Gospel witness within a community. If our practice inside the walls of the church does not give us a more passionate desire to fulfill our purpose then something huge is amiss. Our practice, at times, can be the greatest enemy to a missional focus that is the center of us being Jesus followers. A congregation possessing an unhealthy inward focus in regards to ministry never even considers those to which they are called to carry the Good News. The main point of existence becomes defending and holding on to the comfort and whims of those on the inside.

Now I recognize the profound sense of community a group of believers should share within their local context. (If you doubt this, please take time to reread my last three posts on the Call of Christian Community.) However, a church does not exist for the benefit of itself alone. The call of the local body of believers is to follow in the way of obedience to the author of our salvation and possess a commitment to those whom we share the Jesus way of life. These two callings should profoundly propel us into the community where a great difference is made because the kingdom of God is at hand.

Unfortunately, so many churches have forgotten this fundamental reason for existence. They instead trade in their birthright for loss of impact in the community in order to cling to a commitment to pettiness and self-protection. I was reminded of this fact a few days ago when talking to a lady who has spent most of her adult life in a small town not to far from my home. Upon learning I was a Baptist pastor, she reported to me her lifelong affiliation with the Methodists and that her most enduring remembrance of the Baptist church in her town was their lack of support for anything non-Baptist. This included not buying Girl Scout cookies from the troop the Methodists sponsored. Now I would not want to say that local Baptist church is not effective in honoring our Lord. However, it did pain me to think her most powerful impression of a local Baptist church was they do not eat caramel delights because their denomination did not create it!

Now I will not get into all the reasons why I am Baptist. I do believe I am Baptist for some very important reasons—some that are beyond just being that is where my parents first took me. However, I believe we have some major problems when people begin to think, don’t ask them to buy your cookies because…well, I hope the point is taken. Is that why the church of Jesus Christ exists? Now I think most of you would see what is happening here. But the question this circumstance drives me to ask myself is “what is the kingdom impact of my church in my community?” This question becomes especially pointed when I think about a passage like Acts 17:1-15.

For the sake of context, Paul and Silas are buzzing around and carrying out the Gospel into new areas. The road has been extremely difficult. Jail time and beatings have already been the norm in their service to Jesus. Yet, they press on and when meeting an angry mob that threatens their lives in Thessalonica, they are accused of turning the world upside down and proclaiming another King—Jesus. (see Acts 17:6-7) Now we could debate about all that was happening here, but I can not help but read that passage and think, is my church getting accused of that? It was unbelievers who were making that statement. Now I know these unbelievers did not mean their words to be positive, but it is clear that Paul and Silas and the early church were, in fact, making a big splash for King Jesus! Things in town were quite different because of their presence. I’m afraid that so many congregations in America have spiraled so far downward that the only things we get accused of is being petty and irrelevant or not being known at all because no impact what so ever is being made.

So that which begs the question is this, what does it mean for an individual believer or church to turn the world upside down? How does one answer this question in a biblically informed way? How does such an ideal express itself practically in the life of a believer and within the local congregation of which they are a part? These questions, at the very least, call us to investigation. As we consider our day and our time, let us not forget that much is at stake.

Dilbert and the Call of Christian Community, Part III

One of the most difficult times of my experience as a husband, dad and Jesus follower was when I had no idea of how it was going to turn out for my youngest son during a weekend just over two years ago. He had struggled for some time with difficult health problems related to his breathing. This particular week, with a major shift in the weather, he became so congested and was having so much trouble breathing that I had to hold a mask to his face in a pediatric intensive care room for nearly sixty hours that pumped medicine to help clear him up. I remember his doctor sharing deep concern over his condition. When one of the best pediatric pulmonary specialists in the country is concerned, you know it is serious. It was only after those hellish days he shared with me his pleasant surprise. You see, the doctor had not believed that my son would make it through the weekend. I can not express the joy that overflows in me when I now see him running and laughing and doing silly things that only a three year old can do.

The worst of the weekend was…being scared and feeling absolutely overwhelmed. Having to look at my wife and tell her that I was not sure I was going to be able to hold up under all the pressure. Knowing things were completely out of my control. Wrestling with how to make sense of my belief in my Sovereign Lord—while preparing to serve him in ministry—in light of my very ill little boy. (How I am thankful for a Scripture like Psalm 43:1-5 that reminds me I am not the first to feel the way I did.)

The best of that ordeal was…having trusted men and women from my church and around my home that had deep faith in our Lord to whom I could pour out my fears and inadequacies. Personally experiencing their petitions before the throne of grace to the One that invites us to cast our cares on Him because He cares for us. Having friends baby sit so Kathy and I could have a few moments to our selves over a cup of coffee after that fretful weekend.

Of this I am sure, had it not been for the deep fellowship of our church family and the believers among whom we lived in our seminary community, I am convinced I would have given up hope. I am not sure I would be serving as a pastor today. How I thank God that I did not have to bear that incredible burden alone.

In thinking on my experience, I saw my life and the practical concerns of Christian Community displayed powerfully in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. Obviously, Solomon speaks of the benefit of having another with which to do life. How much more powerfully this passage is understood in light of what we are called to be and share as the body that gives ourselves away to the call of Jesus—living for his glory and the benefit of others.

Ecclesiastes is the “Preacher” (see 1:1) seeking to find the meaning of life after he has lived long and, supposedly, enjoyed all the earth has to offer. In chapter four, Solomon sets the context for this passage in the first eight verses by seeing “all the oppressions that are done under the sun” (4:1). He surmises that it is better to have never lived than to live oppressed with no help (4:1-3). Work and laziness are foolishness if you just work to overcome your neighbor (4:4), destroy yourself from idleness (4:5) or engage in the “unhappy business” of “depriving yourself of pleasure” when you have no one with which to share (4:8). It is a sad state of things when a believer is part of a church and ends up feeling alone and just like Solomon in the first eight verses of chapter four. No wonder people leave churches when they are unable to connect in meaningful and supporting ways to others that encourage them and allow them to encourage others. Such a circumstance stands vehemently opposed to our calling when the New Testament directs us to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together…encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

No, after seeing the state of worldly affairs, the Preacher concludes that “two are better than one.” (4:9) Think of it this way: when we are part of a local congregation, we should be completely convinced that being invested there makes our lives better and our being there makes others better as well. Will it be perfect—No! But better? You better believe it and if that is not your frame of mind about your local congregation, then I would submit there is a battle to be fought. There is spiritually and practically too much at stake to just believe when we leave church that we could take it or leave it. I am called to make others better and others are called to do the same. That is Philippians 2:3-4 in action. That is what Paul says when we “pursue what makes for peace and for mutual up building” (Romans 10:19). Our living and worshiping together must guard itself mightily against being a burden and grief to one another. The end goal is to bear burdens for one another (Galatians 6:2).

The coming together of believers in local fellowship should provide greatly for the betterment of our work (4:9), the lifting up in our time of falling down (4:10), warmth in our togetherness (4:11) and guarding against being destroyed (4:12). Let me ask you this: do you ever go to church thinking it is your God-given call and responsibility to make sure that other believers in your gathering are helped, lifted up, kept warm and guarded by you? Who do you know right now, in your church, that is working hard alone? Then help them! Who do you know that has fallen down? Then help them up! Who do you know that needs the warmth of your encouragement and presence? Then come beside them! Who do you know that is about to be prevailed against? Then stand with them that they might withstand!

Let me suggest this: when a congregation fails in their practice of Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, that church has lost much! Oh, there might still be a building. There may even be some people. But know this; they are not “a threefold cord [that] is not quickly broken.” Nothing, and I mean nothing, is a more powerful demonstration of the power and grace of God than a local gathering of Jesus followers radically loving and taking care of each other. When our communities see that at work they will know and become convinced—God is real and He is at work in that place!

Dilbert and the Call of Christian Community, Part II

God-centered relationships are…part of the “glue” that helps church members remain faithful to the church.—Chuck Lawless
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary


A few years ago, I read about the two most likely times a couple tends to divorce. Number one is within the first two years of marriage. The thought being that if a couple is never able to bond and commit to one another it is easier to give up than it is to work it out. In fact, I actually heard a “marriage” therapist on the Today show say there was a trend occurring in America that counselors were beginning to call these type relationships “starter” marriages. These first tries at marriage, if you will, are when a person “tests the waters” of marriage before going on to what will be their “lifetime” commitment. How convenient. The second most likely time for a couple to divorce is after or near the last child leaving home. At this point, the couple has invested themselves in career and kids and when the last one leaves, they come to discover there is nothing left of the relationship because they were too busy with everything else. Though they had put in the time, there was no real bonding commitment.

I share this to point out that building community—even with one other person—presents challenges. Let’s face it, building a lifetime relationship can be difficult work (just consider the current American divorce rate). If it is hard to build a life with another person, just imagine the challenges when attempting to build a deeply committed biblical community. That is why I am convinced that some (perhaps most) churches never attain the type of deep community that is both spoken of and demonstrated in Scripture. Building this type of fellowship takes a big investment of both time and commitment interspersed with the fact people’s lives are just busy and messy. Whether we recognize it or not, the attitude within congregations can become, “let’s just talk about the weather, the ball game, the insane cost of healthcare but please oh please let us not go deeper to the heart because it is…well, you know.”

Does Scripture challenge us to go beyond mere surface level relationships? If we recognize that our relationships with those with which we worship is to reflect our deep commitment to Jesus to the lost world, doesn’t it suggest that the connection, at the very least, we share with other believers should look different than the relationships we have with people at our place of work? Let’s face it, we can talk about the weather, the game, and health care with anyone. So what is at stake here?

One passage gets to the heart of what the community of God should be about in its interaction with one another. Paul says to the Philippian church, “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4, ESV)

I have had firsthand experience with rivalry. I grew up watching South Carolina and Clemson battle it out on the football field. Later, I lived in North Carolina and saw the great battles between UNC and Duke on the basketball court. Seminary took the fury of rivalry to a new level in my life when Kentucky and Louisville hammered on each other at Rupp Arena or Freedom Hall. Rivalry means I love my team (so I wear my colors with pride) and hate your team (so I stomp your colors in disdain) and if for some unfortunate reason your team is able to win, it is most assuredly because your team was in cahoots with the officials or cheated. Rivalry makes for great games. Rivalry makes for great tradition. Rivalry makes headlines. In the world system, rivalry is expected and welcomed and loved and pursued.

It is not to be so in the church. There was much to bring Paul joy about the Philippians but you can not dismiss the fact these Christians were having some problems with unity. In fact, there was a controversy so intense in the church that Paul begged two battling parties—Euodia and Syntyche—to come to agreement. In spite of not knowing the nature of the disagreement, a few facts are clear. One, these ladies were Jesus followers and Gospel workers. Second, it had become necessary for Paul to ask “true companion” to intercede in the matter in order to arbitrate an agreement and ending of the conflict. (See Philippians 4:2-3)

I think it quite significant the Holy Spirit places this proceeding in Scripture. It reveals that human relationships can get rather intense and divided. Just peruse the newspaper over the last few days. Disagreement is a reality! We might not like conflict but even within the church there are times when it becomes unavoidable. Conflict is not the problem. The issue to which Paul points is the heart attitude we have toward each other. He is clear on this point—there is not room for RIVALRY. There is not room for CONCEIT (i.e. “excessive appreciation on one’s own worth or opinion”, Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, 1973.) The call to those counted as the followers of Jesus in the life they share together is to express HUMILITY (i.e. “not proud or haughty, not arrogant, unpretentious).

The attitude which Paul says to be welcomed in the community of faith is an attitude of “count[ing] others more significant than yourselves.” He elaborates in verse four that when we are looking out for own interests that we always need to keep in mind that the interests of others need to be just as important. When I read that, I always leave thinking to myself, “Wow! That is hard.” But just in case we want to lessen the impact of those words, Paul goes on to elaborate in vv. 5-10.

The thrust of all this is clear: we who make up the church must live for the mutual benefit of one another and that benefit must be measured consistently with the character of our Lord Jesus.

How does this attitude express itself practically in our churches? More on this call and struggle next week.