Building One Another

From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (Eph 4:16)

The Lord isn't against individuals but individualism. Unity is not uniformity lest we judge one another to force others to conform to our mold (1 Cor 12:14). The test of unity is when we show grace to the weak by practical help and giving strength as well as being gracious to humbly raise our hands to be lifted up when we fall. Unity is when we overlook differences and seeing Jesus in every believer.

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. (Rom 15:1)

Individualism is a selfish behavior that desires others to conform to them. The only conformity the Lord desires is that we conform to Him, not to each other. Individualism is selfish because it involves self benefit. God’s family is one that builds everyone regardless of the state of their individual walk of faith. To bear with the scruples of the weak is to carry them through and not dragging by force. The Good Shepherd lovingly leads His flock and not driving them. The end is that we build one another up and not tearing down. The latter is the work of the destroyer; we shouldn't participate in his evil works.

Skepticism

Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? (Mark 2:7)

Jesus read the reasoning in the hearts of the scribes; it is not that the latter didn’t have the right understanding. They were right about the things of God but they didn’t recognize the authority that Jesus had as the Son of God. We may have acquired sufficient knowledge to reason but we must remove the spectacles of human consideration and believe all that the Bible presents to us is the only truth. We shouldn’t say, oh some things are not meant for me or this and that doesn’t apply today. If Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever, so is His Word.

For we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Cor 5:7)

Someone said that skeptics read the Bible with a pair of scissors, cutting out what they don’t like or disagree. Skepticism is to take what the Holy Scripture says with a pinch of salt, filtering out what is irrelevant . We are to take the whole counsel of God as one and consistent. It is not how much we know, but it is how we believe God and His authority. It is not how much our experience is, experience may be for the moment but God’s principles are forever. Recognize the authority of God through His Word, if we do so the reality of God and His promises will be worked out in the most amazing way.

Personal Responsibility

Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil. (Prov 4:27)

There are many promises that God will keep, for example His love, providence, protection, blessings, etc. There are also things we have to take personal responsibility. God didn’t create marionettes that move at His beckoning, but because of love there is a response God desires from us. Love does demand a right response, being passive or careless is just as well considered as rejecting God’s love. Being personally responsible is a response of love as a sign of a maturing relationship.