This hit me during last Sunday's wedding ceremony.
Baptisms and weddings. They are meant to be public events. Is this just so we can celebrate with our friends? No.
Baptisms and weddings. They are meant to be public events. Is this just so we can celebrate with our friends? No.
Because our faith and our marriages are not private things (despite what some may say.) How we grow in our walk with God affects everyone around us to some degree. How our marriages flourish or die affects our families, our friends, and our church body.
And so, when we gather to witness a baptism or wedding, we are, in fact, actual witnesses of this person or couple making a commitment. The person (or couple) is saying to those present, "I am announcing to all of you this promise I am making." Which means that those of us in the Body have a responsibility to help, encourage, and sometimes hold accountable, these people as they strive to stay true to their commitment.
And so if a brother or sister in Christ seems to be turning from his/her faith, we should gently and lovingly ask about that. If there is obvious sin in that person's life, we should address it, rather than turn a blind eye. If a married couple is struggling, we should strive to help them heal wounds before the struggles lead to an affair, abuse, or divorce. And I don't mean that we should only take action when things are bad. Older couples can invite younger couples over for dinner. Retired men and women can spend their days mentoring young Christians. Middle-age people should attend college and high school group gatherings. Any-age Christians should volunteer with children in Sunday school classes, Awana clubs, and Vacation Bible schools. In other words, we are not spectators. Despite what culture preaches, we are not merely individuals, constructing our own truths, doing what we feel is right, and leaving others to do the same.
I now have photos of four couples on my refrigerator. I cut them out from wedding invitations or save-the-date postcards, and they remind me to pray for these young couples who are just starting the journey of life together as partners. The Body of Christ cannot grow in a healthy way if we do not strive to care for all parts of the Body.
And so if a brother or sister in Christ seems to be turning from his/her faith, we should gently and lovingly ask about that. If there is obvious sin in that person's life, we should address it, rather than turn a blind eye. If a married couple is struggling, we should strive to help them heal wounds before the struggles lead to an affair, abuse, or divorce. And I don't mean that we should only take action when things are bad. Older couples can invite younger couples over for dinner. Retired men and women can spend their days mentoring young Christians. Middle-age people should attend college and high school group gatherings. Any-age Christians should volunteer with children in Sunday school classes, Awana clubs, and Vacation Bible schools. In other words, we are not spectators. Despite what culture preaches, we are not merely individuals, constructing our own truths, doing what we feel is right, and leaving others to do the same.
I now have photos of four couples on my refrigerator. I cut them out from wedding invitations or save-the-date postcards, and they remind me to pray for these young couples who are just starting the journey of life together as partners. The Body of Christ cannot grow in a healthy way if we do not strive to care for all parts of the Body.
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