Batteries-Discharging?

I am confused. I am fearful. I do not understand.

Okay, okay.. Where am I going with this? Why am I confused, fearful, and lacking in understanding regarding the Batteries? I think that it stems in part from pride and self reliance.

When the concept of the Batteries was first put forth we were told what the function and purpose was to be for the Battery. I know I heard it. I am sure that the man explaining it was clear enough. I worry that I between then and now I allowed my own desires to taint that information. I think that I will need to ask for the concept to be restated so that I can be sure I/we are on track.

I know that in my third commentary I stated that the purpose was to grow Christian friendships. I know that I also want to have some ‘best’ friends that I can confide in without reservation. I know that I want my ‘best’ friend(s) to be Christian who is/are unafraid to try to help me find way back to the narrow way. I am fearful that my wants may be getting in the way of the purpose of the Battery. I don’t feel comfortable sharing intimate details of my life with some of the men now in this Battery. In retrospection, it seems to me that the only time really intimate conversation was shared was when we were a group of three.

I am afraid that I am putting my own selfish desire ahead of the design of the Battery. I still believe that, as Christians, I am commanded to understand that we are all part of one body. I still believe that as part of Christ’s body we all have a role to fulfill. I still believe that I am no better, or no less important, than any other part of Christ’s body.

I am still confused, I still do not understand. I need to ask for the guidance of the man who first proposed this concept of Batteries to me. I really, really need to pray fervently for God’s guidance. I would ask also for your prayers that I may do what is right in God’s eyes.


Rom 12:4-16 4 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, {let each exercise them accordingly} if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7 if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. (NAS)

Labels

I went to a camp this past weekend for a Family Retreat. It was a wonderful time to fellowship with fellow Christians. Although I was busy most of the time, I did get the opportunity to listen to some of the speakers. J

.. One thing did happen that I want to comment about. During a conversation with a friend he used a label to describe me. I was disturbed that he would label me because I didn’t agree with the label he used. We weren’t able to discuss why he used this particular label, so my irritation was increased. I wanted to defend why I felt his label was wrong!

..Later that evening as I was lying in bed I spent more time thinking about hat had happened. I was trying to decide why his label bothered me. One thought that went through my head was that I didn’t want to be labeled by anybody. I was thinking that I am more than a label!

.. Then it came to me, I am defined by my labels. I am defined not by the labels I want, but by the labels that others use to describe me! I see myself as a husband, a father, a firefighter and a paramedic. These are some of the labels that I would like others to see. The questions that need to be answered are: Do others see me by the same labels? Do others see me as a good husband, as a good father, as a good firefighter, or as a good paramedic?

.. The most important label I aspire to is Christian. This is the most difficult task I have. Following Christ is a difficult task for He was perfection, is perfection. I am just a sinner who fails so often when I try to emulate Christ. Yes, I am redeemed by God’s grace, by the perfect sacrifice of Christ on the cross. But I need to try, every day, to justify His gift. Oh, I know that I could never do anything to earn His gift. Because of this gift of God’s grace I need to act like Christ as best I can so that others can see Christ through me. In following Christ’s example I can be better at all the things I do here in this life that He gave to me.

..

.. I don’t resent the label that my friend used to describe me, for that is how he sees me. (It was not a derogatory label although I don’t understand why he used it. That is a discussion yet to happen.) My desire is that I examine my actions, my thoughts, my prayers, and my walk as a Christian so that others will know me as a follower of Christ. I want others to label me as a Christian. I want others to see the love of my Savior and that they too should endeavor to accept Christ as their Savior.

Mark 8:34 And He summoned the multitude with His disciples, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. (NAS)

1 Pet 2:21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, (NAS)

Acts 11:26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came about that for an entire year they met with the church, and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. (NAS)