Forsake Not...
"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."
(Hebrews 10:24,25; NKJV)
Usually, when we think of the words, "forsake not" it conjures an image of harsh rules and difficult commands. We probably aren't focused on the consequences of (forsaking) whatever we aren't forsaking; just zeroing in on another thing--may be (seemingly) tedious, that we must do/not do. If we live our lives as "transgressors", this is how we tend to think--rules, rules and more rules, rather than finding the liberty in the commands of the Word of God. That's why the Bible tells us that, "Good understanding giveth favor: but the way of transgressors is hard." (Proverbs 13:15). However, when we are commanded to forsake or not forsake, it is because it will improve the quality of our lives, to take heed.
As I meditate on "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together...", I am quickly reminded of the importance of fellowship. Many use this portion of Scripture to suggest, that we must go to church--and stop there. Of course, corporate worship is essential to our spiritual well-being--even to our survival, but there is more to assembling ourselves, than corporate worship. As we reflect on the lives of New Testament Christians--their connection to one another didn't begin and end with worship of God. They were knit together, in love and unity--this is how they survived the severe persecution and harsh treatment, as the first "Christians".
Those early followers of Jesus, knew and understood, that being linked closely was a weapon against the adversary--and when they faltered in this area, it was an opportunity for satan to sow tares among them. So, these new saints, did everything together--worship, prayer, work, travel, eat, and bore the burdens of one another, spiritually,naturally and emotionally. How do we compare, to the example of the early church? Do we "consider one another--and provoke each other to love and good works"??? Are we knit together, in such a way that my pain becomes your pain, and yours, becomes mine? Conversely, your joy becomes mine, and mine, yours. Are we willing to get involved in each others' lives--willing to supply the needs of others, that God has blessed us to be in a position to give (of ourselves, as well as our substance)?
When we do not have a secure bond (of love and unity) we are open to attack. It is then, that satan can use us to hurt, and even destroy one another. If we did not provide the opening--he could not use us against one another. Because we are so distant from one another--(while close in proximity) satan has room to devour us. If I do not feel what you feel, and empathize with you, then it becomes easy for me to use my tongue against you--after all, I do not know what your experience is. I do not know what makes you respond the way that you do---nor do you, know me. But, if my heart is turned toward you, in love, it is impossible for me to come against you. This is why LOVE is the first and great commandment. Love keeps us from committing sins against each other. Just as my love for God, doesn't allow me to crucify Him afresh, so my love for you will keep me from murder of you--whether in thought or deed.
Those that we truly love, deeply and purely, we protect, and are willing to die for. How do you feel about your brother or sister in Christ? It may seem like the "stuff" of relationship is secondary--or even less important to our salvation than that, but I encourage you to change your thinking. Search the Scriptures. If, in fact we do not love our brothers, we cannot love God (1 John 4:11-21). If we love as Christ loves, love being perfected in us, it is our first goal, in our spiritual walk--even before faith (1 Corinthians 13:13). If we identify with Christ, we must be focused on retraining ourselves to really love one another. How do we love? "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). This is how love behaves.
The issue isn't that we do not know these Scriptures. The problem is we don't live these Scriptures. We must become doers of the Word, and in doing, will become the true family of God.
Be willing to embrace one another in love. Be willing to get "up close and personal"--the Body of Christ will benefit.
This is the more excellent way!
Love & Abundant Blessings,
Lisa
(Hebrews 10:24,25; NKJV)
Usually, when we think of the words, "forsake not" it conjures an image of harsh rules and difficult commands. We probably aren't focused on the consequences of (forsaking) whatever we aren't forsaking; just zeroing in on another thing--may be (seemingly) tedious, that we must do/not do. If we live our lives as "transgressors", this is how we tend to think--rules, rules and more rules, rather than finding the liberty in the commands of the Word of God. That's why the Bible tells us that, "Good understanding giveth favor: but the way of transgressors is hard." (Proverbs 13:15). However, when we are commanded to forsake or not forsake, it is because it will improve the quality of our lives, to take heed.
As I meditate on "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together...", I am quickly reminded of the importance of fellowship. Many use this portion of Scripture to suggest, that we must go to church--and stop there. Of course, corporate worship is essential to our spiritual well-being--even to our survival, but there is more to assembling ourselves, than corporate worship. As we reflect on the lives of New Testament Christians--their connection to one another didn't begin and end with worship of God. They were knit together, in love and unity--this is how they survived the severe persecution and harsh treatment, as the first "Christians".
Those early followers of Jesus, knew and understood, that being linked closely was a weapon against the adversary--and when they faltered in this area, it was an opportunity for satan to sow tares among them. So, these new saints, did everything together--worship, prayer, work, travel, eat, and bore the burdens of one another, spiritually,naturally and emotionally. How do we compare, to the example of the early church? Do we "consider one another--and provoke each other to love and good works"??? Are we knit together, in such a way that my pain becomes your pain, and yours, becomes mine? Conversely, your joy becomes mine, and mine, yours. Are we willing to get involved in each others' lives--willing to supply the needs of others, that God has blessed us to be in a position to give (of ourselves, as well as our substance)?
When we do not have a secure bond (of love and unity) we are open to attack. It is then, that satan can use us to hurt, and even destroy one another. If we did not provide the opening--he could not use us against one another. Because we are so distant from one another--(while close in proximity) satan has room to devour us. If I do not feel what you feel, and empathize with you, then it becomes easy for me to use my tongue against you--after all, I do not know what your experience is. I do not know what makes you respond the way that you do---nor do you, know me. But, if my heart is turned toward you, in love, it is impossible for me to come against you. This is why LOVE is the first and great commandment. Love keeps us from committing sins against each other. Just as my love for God, doesn't allow me to crucify Him afresh, so my love for you will keep me from murder of you--whether in thought or deed.
Those that we truly love, deeply and purely, we protect, and are willing to die for. How do you feel about your brother or sister in Christ? It may seem like the "stuff" of relationship is secondary--or even less important to our salvation than that, but I encourage you to change your thinking. Search the Scriptures. If, in fact we do not love our brothers, we cannot love God (1 John 4:11-21). If we love as Christ loves, love being perfected in us, it is our first goal, in our spiritual walk--even before faith (1 Corinthians 13:13). If we identify with Christ, we must be focused on retraining ourselves to really love one another. How do we love? "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). This is how love behaves.
The issue isn't that we do not know these Scriptures. The problem is we don't live these Scriptures. We must become doers of the Word, and in doing, will become the true family of God.
Be willing to embrace one another in love. Be willing to get "up close and personal"--the Body of Christ will benefit.
This is the more excellent way!
Love & Abundant Blessings,
Lisa
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