Whether it’s teaching together or sharing meals together, there’s something powerful about life together.
Seeing the Holy Spirit in operation in the book of Acts it’s just so remarkable how He knits hearts and minds together to do mission together, to spread the Word together, to live the Word together. It is not a story of lone rangers. It does not support an individualistic mentality – which remains a shock to my system.
Every time you read of an episode with Peter or Paul it’s in the context of their relationship with believers, some who support them directly, others who are part of their larger family. Even reading of Barnabas and his call for Saul to help in the work of Antioch reinforces just how important it is for us to realise we are not in this on our own.
I remember opportunities to share ministry with others and have been tremendously blessed by being invited to get involved in whatever capacity. Being inspired by the individuals and feeling like I belong in their close knit family whether it’s work on the street, or in a hostel, work in the homes or even at work. I have learnt what I have in the context of the joy of doing mission, ministry and life together.
It makes me wary, then, of anything that endorses the more individualistic approach to ministry. It also makes me aware of just how difficult some of us find it to do life together, primarily because of issues like pride, insecurity, fear of vulnerability and the desire for control. It is difficult to do life under those circumstances, and at least part of them describe what we’re like from the start. This is why the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart – a continuing work too – is critical.
Only through Him are we able to realise this desire to live like He wants us to live and share life together as He desires.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 