Not Pleasing Ourselves

Not Pleasing Ourselves

“If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?” Jas. 2:15-16.

The easiest thing is to let everyone fend for himself, and to push away burdens and responsibilities. This is not how it should be in the church where we are called to help each other. Something complete and perfect can come into being through the many and diverse gifts. The others will suffer harm if anyone lives for himself.

There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 1 Cor. 12:4. This same Spirit that is to lead all the members is the sacrificial Spirit of Christ. The gifts will only serve to satisfy the flesh if they are not practiced in this Spirit—and people will simply squander their lives as a result. As Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it, so the members are to have a sincere and mutual love and care for one another.

Those who take their Christianity seriously and have vowed to be faithful to God till death have also thereby challenged all the spiritual powers of wickedness and are aware of a constant battle against them. Superficial Christians do not know anything about this battle. Beginners are apt to succumb in this battle, but by experiencing care and receiving help from other members, they can blessedly go through the greatest difficulties. Fellowship in the church of the living God is a great power. When Paul saw the brethren, he thanked God and took courage; he was encouraged by them. They had the same Spirit; they understood him and were willing to fight the same battle. It is also blessed to read about Aquila and Priscilla who had risked their own lives for Paul, and to whom not only Paul but all the churches of the Gentiles owed a debt of gratitude for their care and abundant efforts.

Those who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not please themselves. “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. For even Christ did not please Himself.” Rom. 15:1-3.

Many God-fearing souls are in great need in their prayer closets, and they pray to Christ for help in the most diverse difficulties. However, in order to answer all these cries for help, Christ needs co-laborers who are alert to what He is working.

We can be sure that Apollos was a praying and hungry soul, and as soon as he came into contact with Aquila and Priscilla they were immediately on the alert and made use of the opportunity to give him the right help so he could be of great help to the others. Read Acts 18:24-28.

They were co-laborers of Christ, together with Paul. Such wholehearted co-laborers are also needed in our days.