This post acts as a complimentary piece to one I wrote earlier stating that You Have A Voice.
One of the things I enjoy about the gathering I frequent is that because there is no ‘official’ leader our times together are marked by as many members contributing as possible. This is not the norm for branches of the organisation.
Often lip-service is paid to the important biblical concept of every-member-is-a-minister. People quite easily fall into a mind-set of The Minister being The Main Man who orchestrates, directs, etc. Thus people look to him to make the key decisions and are quick to blame him if things aren’t as they should be.
This is reinforced by The Minister assuming such a mind-set is perfectly legitimate and affirms what his calling is about.
Nevertheless there are freak gatherings like the one I frequent. Though they’ve been schooled in the traditional and often look forward to a organisational rep turning up, more often than not room is given for people to contribute.
What I enjoyed recently was attending a gathering. As I arrived a bit late, it transpired I would be responsible for ‘giving the word’ in the ‘divine worship’. This was not ‘punishment’, but a way of getting me to overtly contribute.
Thankfully, there was a lot more on the menu in the ‘divine worship’ than just me yammering on.
After some wonderful songs with all the brethren singing so beautifully and harmoniously, one person gave an update on how things were going. Another person shared how exciting things were going to be.
There was a series of inspiring words of encouragement. One person talked about how God is interested in the minutiae of life drawing on an example of a motor incident that could have been a lot worse had timely advice not been given. Someone else then shared a powerful and simple testimony of God meeting their clothing needs. There was another testimony about God’s goodness in providing employment. This leas to a linked prayer request to help those in need of employment.
The children then shared a sketch they had developed about how an obedient approach can reap big rewards even if others choose to be disobedient. This was before putting on a terrific dance routine they had carefully choreographed.
Just in case that was not enough there was a solo performance from someone singing about the faithfulness of God through the seasons.
Even what I talked about was connected to a conversation I shared with my eldest daughter on the way up. Indeed there was little i needed to say – because anyone with ears to hear would have heard God communicate in diverse ways.
Therein is the issue about the ears. If our time together is about sharing what God has said to us over time, then there is room for a richer, diverse, multi-faceted way in which we can benefit from how God speaks.
Indeed if we have the ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to us through us that surely enshrines the leadership of Christ above all. It need not be a deal about The Main Man delivering a monologue and that being the only way if God speaking to us.
We are given a pair of ears to take pleasure in being quick to listen. Listen to what He says in the silence. What He says over the beverages (especially the hot ribena). What He says in the songs and dance. What He says in the prayers and testimonies. What He says in celebrating people’s victories and successes. What He says in mourning over someone’s keenly felt loss. What He says through the one who doesn’t say much back in the corner of the room. Yes and even possibly what He says through that dude who talks a lot from the front.
So many opportunities to listen in the gathering of the saints. So much for our hearts to receive and be changed when we do listen. As our hearts and minds become geared towards acting on what we’ve heard in line with His will, then we will have something to share for others to hear and be built up in the faith.
That is why it’s good for us to listen to God in and through each other.
(Photo by Joel Mwakasege on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 