The same team

 

Joel 2:21-27

Being a diehard Philadelphia Eagles fan in South Texas has its fun moments. Let's just say some of us take our sports affiliation a little too seriously. Recently, someone told me they had never met an Eagles fan before me. It was like I was extraterrestrial. They asked me what I was doing during the last game. It had been a blowout win for my team. How would someone like me respond? Turns out, like any other fan. Speaking of choosing the wrong team. When the apostle Paul traveled to Thessalonica, people believed his Jesus message and a church was born. Following Jesus as Lord, though, to the rest of the community, was a treasonous act. So, Thessalonian Christians faced persecution. Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians to encourage and strengthen their faith through this time. He was happy to hear a good report that they were holding strong (1 Thessalonians 3:6). But he also wanted to challenge them to keep maturing as Christ followers. Towards the end of the epistle, he includes a reminder. The church was to "admonish the idlers, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak" (5:14). Notice the tolerant attitude. We Christians can forget that we are all on a walk with God. But we're at different points in our walk. Just because you aren't idle, doesn't mean someone else hasn't come to a point where they are. What do they need? Perhaps a loving urge from someone who cares for them. You may be strong, but others may have not learned how strong they can be yet. They don't need belittling. They need encouragement and help. We have to be willing to see others for who they are. People. People are different. But people are also a lot a like. We share many experiences, even if we share them differently. Turns out, Christ has put us on the same team, so to speak. So, criticize less and encourage more those in your church community. Stay blessed...john