Apples of Gold

Church camp was one of the highlights of my summer when I was growing up. In fact, I enjoy volunteering when possible to this day. Swimming was always something most of us anticipated each day. Before entering the lake we were required to pair up with a Buddy. There were always lifeguards on duty but as an added safety measure, intermittently the whistles would blow, followed by the instruction to buddy up. Everyone would find their Buddy, grab their hand, and raise our clasped hands as high as we could. This quickly allowed the lifeguards to determine that no one was alone and in danger. 

King Solomon introduced this principle many, many years ago.

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

So many people feel alone these days. It is strange how it has become normal to be present without actually being present. We can physically be in the same room, perhaps passively participating in the same activity but our attention is far away. If we are honest, two of the biggest factors playing in to this are often exhaustion and self-centeredness. Our schedules have become so crowded, our problems so overwhelming that looking beyond our own stuff can seem like a herculean task. 

Like it or not, we need each other. Scripture mandates that I am not only concerned about my own needs, but that I am paying attention to what is going on around me and actively reaching out to others. 

Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you  who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. Galatians 6:1-3

This sounds like a spiritual buddy system. We don’t usually have a difficult time noticing when someone is struggling with a sin but we tend to either completely ignore it, (and sometimes them) or we clobber them over the head with a bat of condemnation and shame. The word translated overtaken is prolambano and it refers to being taken by surprise. This person was not intending to disobey God but something tripped them up. Notice the parameters for our response-gently and humbly step in and help. The Greek here, katartizo, means mend, equip and complete. Notice Paul does not tell us to shun them, shame them or even name them. Perhaps they need discipleship, accountability, and understanding. 

Paul also reminds us that, as John Bradford so eloquently put it: “But for the grace of God, there go I”.  Not only should this reminder help us to apply grace and mercy, but to keep on our toes in order to stay the course ourselves. When we sit with someone who is struggling and equip them to succeed, we are also refreshing our own hearts and minds with Scriptures and principles that will strengthen our own walk. Solomon was on to something! We are stronger together.  

It is the difference between pointing out the hunk of spinach hanging from our friend’s front tooth to the whole room, or quietly slipping them a toothpick.

Paul rounds out this teaching with a reminder that there is a human tendency to think some things, or people are beneath our current status. Compassion and consideration should always be the rule of thumb. We often have no idea what led a person to their current circumstances. Our job is not to judge people but to nudge them back onto the path that leads to life.

We all could use a Buddy or two or more. I am so thankful for the people who put up with me, encourage me, challenge me and allow me to do the same for them. We keep each other firmly on the right track, asking the right questions and offering the right words at the right time. If you have a group like this count yourself blessed. If you do not I encourage you to find one. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, the shrill blast of the whistle rings through the air. Go find your people, grab their hands and make sure no one is in danger. Let’s follow the Scriptural recommendation to care for each other and do this together!

But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. Jude 1:20-21