Some thoughts about walls
I’m writing an article about “walls.” No, not this article. Another article.
But, thinking about “walls” for that other article led me to write this article about thinking about walls. Confused yet?
Well, anyway, think about walls. What kind of wall? Any kind of wall. Every kind of wall.
We build walls; we tear down walls; we repair walls. We build doors to go through walls. Then, we lock the doors so that we can’t go through the walls.
Walls divide and define. They keep some in, and they keep others out. They offer protection, but also block the way to protection.
On their own, walls are neither good nor evil; they are completely neutral. Obviously, walls can be built for good or evil purposes. And, those purposes can change. But, the walls themselves remain neutral.
They are just walls.
What do walls mean for us as followers of Jesus Christ?
Well, that depends.
If people are inside the walls, then we should go inside the walls.
If people are outside the walls, then we should go outside the walls.
If people are both inside and outside the walls, then we should be both inside and outside the walls.
Why? Because God loves people, and God sends us to people… whether they are inside walls or outside walls.
Walls are just walls. But, people? Well, that’s a completely different story.
Mutual edification brings out the Christ in one another
I’ve been studying mutual edification for several years now. My friends and I have sought to build up (edify) one another whenever we’re together. A few days ago, I saw a description of “mutual edification” that perfectly explains what it’s all about.
That description came from Nathan at “Joined to Him” in his post “A Study on Mutual Edification – Part 2.”
In his post, he comments on Hebrews 10:24-25 (one of my own favorite passages in Scripture referring to mutual edification). At one point, Nathan writes this about the 2nd half of Hebrews 10:24:
The second part of the verse reveals that we need to consider our brothers and sisters in a way that will allow us to stir them up towards love and good works. This shows us some of the purposes behind mutual edification. We mutually edify one another so that we may all grow in love and good deeds. Love and good works were a signature of the life and ministry of Christ. So mutual edification brings out the Christ in one another.
When you think about it, this makes perfect sense. Of course, the Holy Spirit (the Spirit of Christ) is the good within us. We only love by the Spirit. So, any “love and good works” that are “stirred up” by us are actually the work of the Spirit. Our goal, then, is to help people follow the guidance of the Spirit who is already indwelling them and leading them. (Of course, this is very similar to what I talked about in my series last week on the topic “Defining discipleship as helping each other follow Jesus.”)
This also helps us understand why the author of Hebrews puts so much emphasis on “encouragement” throughout this letter, using the noun or verb form several times. He understand that as we understand each other, we are “stirring up” or arousing a desire within each follower of Jesus Christ to yield to that indwelling Spirit.
We don’t have to create “love and good works” for people. We don’t have to tell them what to do or say or believe. The Spirit of Jesus within them is already telling them everything they need to know.
So, what do we do to “stir up love and good works”? We consider how we can encourage them to listen to and obey what Jesus is already telling them. As we all listen to and obey what Jesus is telling us, we will mutually edify one another.
And, as Nathan says, as we mutually edify one another, it brings out the Christ in each of us.
Scripture… As We Live It #262
This is the 262nd passage in “Scripture… As We Live It.”
For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. But, of course, I’m not talking about myself, even though I used the pronoun “I” so many times in this passage. As an apostle of Jesus Christ, I certainly always do good and never evil. (Romans 7:19 re-mix)
(Please read the first post for an explanation of this series.)
Replay: Members of Christ’s Body
Six years ago, I wrote a post called “Members of Christ’s Body.” During this time, I was studying the concept of “church membership” and comparing that concept to what Scripture says about “members.” What did I find? I found that the modern concept of “church membership” is completely different than the scriptural idea of being members of the body of Christ and members of one another.
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Members of Christ’s Body
“The Body of Christ” is one of the metaphors that Paul uses for the church. Believers are called “members” of Christ’s body. This “member” language is often stretched to include the modern concept of “membership” in a church organization. What does Scripture actually say about believers being “members” of Christ’s body? Let’s start by examining the Scripture passages themselves:
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. (Romans 12:4-5 ESV)
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body- Jews or Greeks, slaves or free- and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. (1 Corinthians 12:12-27 ESV)
Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. (Ephesians 4:25 ESV)
For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. (Ephesians 5:29-30 ESV)
Notice that the word “member” (gk. “μέλος” – “melos“) is also used to indicates parts of a person’s physical body. However, the passages listed above seem to be the only use of “member” to represent a believer’s association with the body of Christ.
What are some things that we can learn about the church from the metaphor of being “members of the body of Christ”?
- We become members of the body through an act of God not because of something that we do or something that we choose.
- We do not choose to be members of the body nor do we choose those with whom we are members.
- We do not choose how we function in the body nor can we tell others how to function in the body.
- We cannot be members of Christ without being members of one another.
- Every member of the body is important; every member of the body is significant; every member of the body is necessary.
- Being a member of the body of Christ has nothing to do with joining a church organization or having “membership” in a church organization.
Can we live as members of Christ’s body and members of one another? We cannot live in this manner if we continually separate ourselves from other members. We cannot live in this manner if we feel that we decide who are members of Christ’s body with us.
Intentionally helping each other follow Jesus
As I explained in a previous post, I have started “defining discipleship as helping each other follow Jesus.” There are several aspects to this definition (which I described briefly in that previous post), and I think that each of the aspects is extremely important. In fact, when we lose one of those aspects, then we are less effective at discipling one another, and we hinder the growth (maturity) of the church.
For example, I said that it’s important for us to “help each other follow Jesus even when he’s leading us in different directions.” Then, my readers (you) answered this question: “How has someone helped you follow Jesus?” Finally, I argued that when we follow Jesus we also “unintentionally help each other follow Jesus.”
However, when we talk about helping each other follow Jesus (that is, discipling one another), we’re primarily talking about those times when we intentionally help each follow Jesus. We’re typically not talking about unintentional discipleship.
But, is “intentional discipleship” even valid from the perspective of Scripture? Is it valid for us to plan ways to help others follow Jesus? Yes. It’s not only valid, but we’re instructed (commanded) to intentionally help each other follow Jesus.
For example, consider 1 Corinthians 12-14, the longest passage in Scripture on spiritual gifts. Among other things, we’re told that all followers of Jesus are gifted and that the gifts are given for our mutual benefit. We’re also told that when we gather with other believers, we should only exercise those gifts (even gifts from the Spirit of God) if it would edify other people (i.e., help other people grow in maturity in Jesus Christ).
But, where’s the intentional part? It’s in 1 Corinthians 14:26 – “What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.” (1 Corinthians 14:26 ESV) When they came together, they already had an idea of how they would seek to edify one another. Thus, there was some planning and consideration involved.
However, there is another passage that’s even more straightforward. In Hebrews 10:24-25, the author clearly indicates that we should take the time to both help each other follow Jesus but also to consider how to best disciple each other:
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)
Like 1 Corinthians 12-14, this passage tells us that we get together in order to edify one another (although the author of Hebrews uses the related verb “encourage”). But, Hebrews 10:24 begins with the important exhortation: “Consider one another.” (Yes, the “one another” actually goes with the verb “consider.”) In order to “stir up love and good works” and in order to “encourage one another,” we must being by “considering one another.” This shows intentionality, planning, and personal response, realizing that we’re all at different places in our walk with Jesus, and we all need different kinds of help in following Jesus.
So, yes, we do unintentionally help each other follow Jesus when we are following him ourselves. But, we should also intentionally think about those brothers and sisters in Christ who are part of our lives in order to help them follow Jesus.
Of course, what we “consider” goes back to the first post in this series. We don’t “consider” how they can follow what Jesus is calling us to do. Instead, we “consider” how to help them both to understand what Jesus wants of them and also to follow wherever he’s leading them.
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Series: Discipleship as “helping each other follow Jesus”
Unintentionally helping each other follow Jesus
As I explained in a previous post, I have started “defining discipleship as helping each other follow Jesus.” There are several aspects to this definition (which I described briefly in that previous post), and I think that each of the aspects is extremely important. In fact, when we lose one of those aspects, then we are less effective at discipling one another, and we hinder the growth (maturity) of the church. For example, I said that it’s important for us to “help each other follow Jesus even when he’s leading us in different directions.” Then, my readers (you) answered this question: “How has someone helped you follow Jesus?”
I believe the most important way that we can help each other follow Jesus is by example. Now, please don’t misunderstand this. I don’t mean that we help people by going around trying to be an example. Instead, I mean that as we follow Jesus ourselves, our lives will be examples to those who know us and who observe our lives.
In this way, by following Jesus ourselves, we are also unintentionally helping each other follow Jesus.
In a comment on my previous post, I shared a story about how some friends of mine helped me follow Jesus. This happened while they were loving and serving some people in a nursing home. Their example of loving and serving the residents helped me to follow Jesus as well. But, they were not loving and serving them in order to be an example to me. They were caring for the nursing home residents because they were following Jesus themselves. Their following Jesus became an example to me and others, and their example unintentionally helped me follow Jesus.
So if we are sharing our lives with others and following Jesus at the same time, then our lives will be an example to others. Our lives will help others follow Jesus unintentionally.
Please note, this is completely different than “practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them.” (Matthew 6:1 ESV) If we are saying things or doing things in order to be noticed by others people, then we are not following Jesus.
However, if we are giving others access to our lives and following Jesus (whether others notice or not), then our lives will be an example to others and will help them follow Jesus. This is similar to what Jesus said earlier in Matthew’s Gospel: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 ESV)
Intentional discipleship (intentionally helping each other follow Jesus) is certainly important. I’ll talk about that in my next post.
But, don’t dismiss the importance of unintentional discipleship also. How do you unintentionally help others follow Jesus? By following Jesus yourself.
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Series: Discipleship as “helping each other follow Jesus”
How has someone helped you follow Jesus?
As I explained in a previous post, I have started “defining discipleship as helping each other follow Jesus.” There are several aspects to this definition (which I described briefly in that previous post), and I think that each of the aspects is extremely important. In fact, when we lose one of those aspects, then we are less effective at discipling one another, and we hinder the growth (maturity) of the church. For example, I said that it’s important for us to “help each other follow Jesus even when he’s leading us in different directions.”
But, what has this looked like in your life? Specifically, how has someone else helped you to follow Jesus?
As you can tell, this is a very short post. Instead of filling this page with my words, I’m hoping that you’ll fill the page with examples. Examples are so important, but they are often in short supply among the church today.
So, please share an example with my readers of how someone else has helped you follow Jesus.
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Series: Discipleship as “helping each other follow Jesus”
Helping each other follow Jesus… in different directions?
As I explained in a previous post, I have started “defining discipleship as helping each other follow Jesus.” There are several aspects to this definition (which I described briefly in that previous post), and I think that each of the aspects is extremely important. In fact, when we lose one of those aspects, then we are less effective at discipling one another, and we hinder the growth (maturity) of the church.
Among the majority of the church today, “discipleship” is primarily attempted through one person speaking to a large number of people. This can be in the form of a preacher or teacher. Even in many “small groups,” a teacher is responsible for speaking the to the others in the group.
But, there’s an inherent problem in this method: it’s impossible to help each other follow Jesus in this way when Jesus is leading us in different directions.
Yes, it’s true that there are many general commonalities for all followers of Jesus. But, remember that following Jesus is a way of life. While there are many common traits to that way of life, there are also differences in the way we live it out.
For example, we are all called to “love our neighbors.” That’s true. And, we can teach a large number of people at one time that Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But, my neighbor is not your neighbor is not her neighbor is not his neighbor. We are different; our neighbors are different; our strengths and weaknesses are different; our neighbors’ needs and situations are different. We cannot help each other follow Jesus by one person telling the rest of us how to love our neighbors.
Consider this example also: We are all called to “go.” But, where does Jesus want us to go to? Does he want us to go across the street? Does he want us to go across the city to a different neighborhood? Does he want us to go across the state? Does he want ut to go to a different part of the country? Does he want us to travel to the other side of the world? We cannot help each other follow Jesus to where he wants us to go by one person speaking to everyone else.
So, in order to help each other follow Jesus, we must be willing both to speak to each other but also to listen to each other. We must be part of a group that small enough that we can get to know each other and truly encourage one another specifically to follow what Jesus is leading each of us in.
And, this is extremely difficult, even one on one. It’s easy for me to help you follow what Jesus is telling ME. But, that’s not discipleship. Instead, discipleship is helping you follow what Jesus is telling YOU. That’s a huge difference. If you love your neighbor in exactly the same way that I love my neighbor, then you may not actually be loving your neighbor. If you “go” the way that Jesus has told me to go, then you may not be following Jesus where he wants you to go.
So, yes, let’s help each other understand what Jesus tells his followers in common and in general. But, we also need to help each other follow Jesus even when he calls us in different directions.
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Series: Discipleship as “helping each other follow Jesus”
Defining discipleship as helping each other follow Jesus
According to Matthew, just before Jesus ascended into heaven, he gave his followers this last instruction: And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20 ESV)
The command in this passage is translated “make disciples.” It is precipitated by Jesus’ authority. It includes the aspects of go[ing], baptizing, and teaching. And it is wrapped up in the promise that Jesus will always be with us.
My “go to” definition of making disciples (or discipleship) is this: “Helping each other follow Jesus.”
This definition includes several parts:
“Helping” reminds us that the real work is done by God. He often chooses to use his children (that would be us), but the work is still his. However, there is a role for us to play.
“Each other” reminds us that this is mutual (reciprocal) work. There are no pure discipler->disciple relationship among humans. Instead, we’re all in need of being helped to follow Jesus, and, at the same time, we can all help others to follow Jesus.
“Follow” reminds us that being a disciple is not a passive adventure or a mental exercise. Instead, it is a way of life. (In fact, the first name for “Christianity” was “the Way.”)
“Jesus” reminds us that we do not want people to follow us. We want people to follow Jesus.
Finally, the entire phrase reminds us that there will be some aspects of following Jesus that will be the same (or similar) between different believers. But, at the same time, there will be some aspects of following Jesus that will be different between different believers.
For the next few days, I’ll be publishing posts about “helping each other follow Jesus.” But, for now, I’d have a question for you:
What do you think of my definition “helping each other follow Jesus”? What would you add, change, or remove from this definition?
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Series: Discipleship as “helping each other follow Jesus”
Scripture… As We Live It #261
This is the 261st passage in “Scripture… As We Live It.”
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind obey your church leaders, attend church meetings regularly, give offerings to your church organizations, and practice spiritual disciplines. (1 Peter 3:8 re-mix)
(Please read the first post for an explanation of this series.)