Networking

I was at Starbucks this morning, just doing a little reading, when I was approached by a guy who noticed the Bible on my table. This led to a discussion for the next hour and a half. It seems like these chance meetings, and the ensuing conversations, can really help to energize us as believers. This has led me to think about fellowship, and the importance not only of going to church, but more importantly, networking with believers in life. I don't see why there should be lines drawn--like hanging out with Christians at church, and at a Bible study, but you don't search out believers at work, etc. I'm not saying we have to shun others out and only hang out with Christians--quite the opposite at times--but that there is this network around the world of Christians. And you know what, most are willing to help others, similar to each of us. This network spans generations, classes and careers. How strong can this be? I think it could be unlimited. We just need to, as the Bible says, pray for each other and care for other believers. Paul even places importance on caring for the needs of believers above others. I don't need to know everyone, but still, if each of us knew and "networked" with 5 other believers...how quickly would this spread. Together, we are so much stronger than individually. I think this already happens, but I think we each can continue to do better. We can better accomplish the Great Commission through the myriad facets of life today...Lord I pray that I can better serve You each day, and that we, the church, can unify to glorify Your name.

I really want to know why it is that people, myself included, do what we don't want to do. I know even the Apostle Paul struggled with this, but I really wish there were times that I was able to just stay focused. How often do we catch ourselves thinking something unwholesome, vengeful, angry, etc...when we know we should react a different way. But even beyond that--why does some temptation, some sin, always seem to get us? It might be different for different people, and we honestly know it is sin at times, but still it gets us when we are down...

I am at a loss at times, although I know where the answer lies--in Christ. But this doesn't always help, just this knowledge. Somehow, I have to keep it personal, a personal relationship of love with Him. And I think this is where I struggle at times, and where everyone does. It can just seem so supernatural, so surreal at times that we just don't keep it personal. Because I am sinful in nature, the flesh, as we all are, and so it therefore is not within us to be able to fix ourselves. And yet this is still a struggle as well...but I think this is life. That each person has to come to know God, better and better as they grow each day. It is a journey, a path, a learning curve, all the way until the day we die. And I know I don't have all the answers, and I know that often we get caught up in what we do think we know, and there we lose the person of God again. But He stays there, always steady, always loving, waiting for us to turn back.

(ok--this post is a little bit 'chain of consciousness' writing...)