WORKING TOGETHER / ENCOURAGING EACH OTHER

BIBLE PASSAGE:
“The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose,
and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For
we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.”
(1 Corinthians 3:8-9)

MEDITATION:
Question: When geese fly in a “V” formation, do you know why
one side of the “V” is longer than the other side?
Answer: There are more geese on that side.

How powerful it is when followers of Christ work together in unity!
Have you ever wondered why Canadian geese always fly in a “V” formation.
The lead goose is moving the wind resistance for the rest of them.
While he is flapping very hard, the rest of them can fly easier.
From time to time you can hear the other geese encouraging the lead goose.

After awhile, the lead goose gets tired and he falls back,
then another goose take its place.
Through wind tunnel experiments, scientists claim that geese flying
in a “V” pattern can fly 72% further than one goose could fly by himself.
Who taught them to do that? Of course God did!

This is a good example of why Christ’s followers should
work together to accomplish the tasks He has assigned each of us.
It is also a good reason for Christians to meet together frequently
so that we can encourage each other.

ACTION:
What are you trying to do by yourself that could
be more efficiently accomplished if the task is shared?
Working for the Lord is not restricted to pastors, missionaries, and teachers.
God has given all His people opportunities to be included and involved.

Egos can get in the way of God’s purposes so the scriptures remind us
how God can use willing Christians to serve Him through the sharing
of tasks (by focusing on glorifying God and not trying to do more than
is expected, or avoiding their part in His work).
What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom
you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the
seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one
who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes
things grow. (1 Corinthians 3:5-7)

When is the last time you have encouraged someone
whom you know is dedicated to serving the Lord?
Working for the Lord is rewarding in and of itself, however encouragement
from other believers can energize His servants even more (encouraging could
be the task God has assigned to you, and what an awesome privilege that is).

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, help me to realize that sometimes I horde tasks that
could be more effective when shared. Teach me the joy of involving
others in Your work. Help me to always encourage those I know who
have dedicated their lives to serving You. Show me where I can get
involved and engage in the work You have assigned, and expect, of me.
Thank You for considering me worthy to serve, even if I don’t feel that
way about myself.”

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