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The hikers hit the trail together as they head for the summit on a sunny day.
Better Together
“The Latin Curse that Explains Why Civilizations Collapse” by Caryln Beccia
Recently as I was reading and contemplating next post, I came across two Latin phrases from Caryln’s Medium article.
Vita Mea, Vita Tua.
My life, your life. My flourishing depends on yours.
Mors Tua, Vita Mea
Your death, my life.
Carlyn proposes that civilizations collapse when” Mors Tua, Vita Mea” phrase becomes the cultural theme. She views the collapse of the Roman Republic and later empire through this understanding of societal greed, selfishness, and disconnection. Jesus warns us that in the end times man hearts will go cold. Do you see this process at work in our society today?
Jesus predicted that the love of many would grow cold as part of His answer to the disciples’ question, “What will be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the age?”
In Matthew 24, in the Olivet Discourse, Jesus describes the end of the age that will precede His second coming. He says that there will be false Christs (verse 5), wars (verse 6), and strife and natural disasters (verse 7).
https://www.gotquestions.org/love-of-many-will-grow-cold.html
The runner isn’t alone–he is encouraged and supported by others along the course!
Scripture Passages: God’s Guidance
Let’s consider several key biblical passages wherein Paul explains how we live faithfully, encouraging/uplifting others: emphasis mine
Romans 15:1-6
Accept One Another
1We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: “The insults of those who insult You have fallen on Me.” 4For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.
5Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you harmony with one another in Christ Jesus, 6so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Commentary
Enduring Word, Pastor David Guziak
“If you consider yourself strong in comparison to your brother, use your strength to serve your brothers in Christ – instead of using your “strength” just to please yourself.
i. Bear with: The idea isn’t really bearing with, but bearing up the weaker brother – supporting him with your superior strength.
ii. This goes against the whole tenor of our times, which counsels people to “look out for number one” and despises those who live lives of real sacrifice for the sake of others. Yet, undeniably Paul points the way to true happiness and fulfillment in life – get your eyes off of yourself, start building up others and you will find yourself built up.”
Source: https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/romans-15/
Simply, when we lift others up in faith by accepting them as they are, we are being Christ like. We speak truth with grace and compassion-seeking others spiritual growth. This process involves active listening, acceptance, and a relationship wherein truth flows naturally.
Two hikers enjoy the sunrise together as they climb the mountain path together.
Charles Spurgeon:
“Christ did not receive us because we were perfect, because he could see no fault in us, or because he hoped to gain somewhat at our hands. Ah, no! But, in loving condescension covering our faults, and seeking our good, he welcomed us to his heart; so, in the same way, and with the same purpose, let us receive one another.”
Paul gives us a model prayer for this process in verses 5 and 6. It’s a prayer for unity in purpose and mindset. God empowers, encourages and guides us in this journey-we don’t have to go at it alone!
“As God fills us with the blessings of His joy and peace in believing, we are equipped to live in this common bond of unity God calls us to.” David Guziak
Two friends work together to maintain the community garden.
Encouraging Other Pilgrims
Early followers of Christ understood that Christ could return at any moment. Alan S. Bandy states in his essay “The Return of Christ”:
Early Christians anticipated that Christ could return in their lifetime and admonished believers to watch and be ready.
Because the specific time of Christ’s return is unknowable, believers are exhorted to be prepared by purifying their lives from sin and living in obedience to Christ daily.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/the-return-of-christ/
Bandy’s essay provides good overview of the nature of Christ’s second coming with numerous scripture references and key terms defined. The main takeaway from understanding this concept centers on us being faithful as we wait. How can we be found to be faithful?
1 Thessalonians 5:1-14
The Day of the Lord
(Zephaniah 1:7–18; Malachi 4:1–6; 2 Peter 3:8–13)
1Now about the times and seasons, brothers, we do not need to write to you. 2For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
4But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief. 5For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. 7For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation.
9For God has not appointed us to suffer wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him. 11Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.
Christian Living
12But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
14And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.
Paul reminds us to be aware, on guard, and ready for Christ’s return. As we wait, we encourage and uplift others! We live in peace with others, encourage those struggling, and demonstrate patience.
Rob Gomez (blue jersey) helps Jesse Orach cross the finish line Beach to Bacon Run 2017. Robert sacrifices first place to help the younger Jesse finish. Rob explains why: emphasis mine
“It wasn’t a calculated decision,” he said. “It wasn’t because I’m some sort of hero or some sort of special person, because I’m not. As runners, we understand, we pick each other up and help each other.”
Rob assists his younger competitor because he values the community of runners.
Carrying Others
Galatians 6:1-10
Carry One Another’s Burdens
1Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
3If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
4Each one should test his own work. Then he will have reason to boast in himself alone, and not in someone else. 5For each one should carry his own load. 6Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.
7Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. 8The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
9Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.
We practice faithfulness when we live according to God’s ways. When we sow goodness, then we reap goodness. This is God’s way for His people! Who can you encourage or support today?
The young pilgrims encourage each other as they move toward the end goal.
Words of Grace & Hope 