Today’s Readings:
1 Corinthians 3:18-23
Psalm 24:1-6
Luke 5:1-11
We need people in our lives and this need is hardwired into us. The philosopher Aristotle says, ‘If you sanely delight in solitude, you are not human—you are either a wild beast or a god’. Relationships create a sense of belonging which hinges on two pillars: a need for acceptance and a sense of purpose. When you feel accepted, you can do anything for others. This is how families, cliques, gangs, fraternities and communities are formed.
Several things could bring people together:
Profession/Vocation — Persons with similar expertise, gifts and interests.
Romance — Persons who are drawn together by emotions and shared affection.
Communities — People who wish to support each other by pulling resources together.
Fraternities — Persons with a common mission to support and defend each other, bound by creed or blood or both.
Gangs — Persons who feel empowered by their association with others who feel marginalised, stigmatised or ostracised.
In unhealthy groups, people are bound more by fear than by love. St Paul describes the right sets of values that bring people into healthy groups in Philippians 4:8 which says, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence, anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Two signs that you are in a bad relationship or association:
They want to isolate you from others and
It feels too good to be true.
Wherever you see these, run for your life; it cannot be good.
Sometimes we remain in bad associations or relationships until situation forces us to consider other options. Peter only considered Christ after his fishing skills and associates failed him. Jesus stepped into his boat and exposed his need for God’s presence. When we seek a sense of belonging, it is God we seek. If we find good friends, relationships and groups, God has found us. 1 John 4 :1 says, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God…every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God.” Matthew 10:16 adds, “I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be wise as serpents, and gentle as doves.” Do not trust easily. Do not write people off either. Prayer and time shall reveal people’s true motives.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to seek You in everyone and everything.
Lord, expose those who seek to do me harm.
Lord, help me to listen to You when I am unsure.
Lord, do not let me succumb to sin in order to please others.
Lord, never let me be separated from you in life and in death. Amen.
Lord, all that I am and all I have belongs to You. May I find my identity and joy in You for You mean the world and more to me, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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