Separate or Stagnate
Acts 12:24
"...let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
(MATTHEW 5:16)
Bulbous plants, like irises and daffodils, propagate by sprouting baby bulbs off of a mature bulb. For a while those babies can grow right next to the mother plant and thrive. But if there are too many, the new bulbs remain tiny and produce smaller and fewer blooms.
Isn't this the perfect illustration of Christians who spend too much time by themselves or with other Christians? We become less effective at spreading the Gospel and even find time to bicker with each other.
The wise gardener separates bulbs every year to insure big, beautiful blooms. There are always plenty of baby bulbs left over to share with neighbors and friends.
The Bible and church history are full of examples of God separating His people for their good and His glory. He sends missionaries away from home and allows persecution to spread us out. But we don't have to wait for Him to move us to a distant country. Right where we are, we can develop intentional, healthy relationships with people who are outside of the Way.
INSIGHT
SOMEONE YOU KNOW NEEDS TO SEE THE BEAUTY OF JESUS CHRIST TODAY. SHOW HIS BEAUTY BY PLANTING YOUR TESTIMONY WHERE THEY CAN SEE IT.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
2 Samuel 9-10
Psalm 140
Colossians 1-2
Acts 12:24
New International Version (NIV)
24 But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.
No comments:
Post a Comment