Trivial LIFE Example: Living in the Center of the River

5/3/2001

Thursday Evening, May 3, 2001

Hi...a “trivial everyday” example and testimony of Life—Life in the “centurion’s Faith” of comprehending others’ gifts in our lives...and the 1 Corinthians 12 “Spirit Baptism” into One Body:

As a potential additional opportunity to share Jesus, four weeks ago a brother in the Church here suggested that some of us join a golf “men’s club” which plays at 6:30 or so every Saturday morning. No one was certain it was a good idea, for any number of reasons, but we wanted to give it a fair try if a brother thought it might be worthwhile. Nine brothers, added to sixteen pagans, now constituted the “men’s club.” A “trust” and attitude of “submit to one another out of reverence for CHRIST” (Eph. 5:21) characterized the decision for the guys, as always. Practically speaking, several who might have “joined” weren’t really needed and therefore easily opted not to get up that early. : )

The first two weeks, for which I was present, were peaceable opportunities with at least two brothers in every group of four, and nothing foul, drunken, out of control, or un-influenceable with the unbelievers. The opportunities may be there, and there seemed up to that point, nothing strong on the downside. Now, with the third and fourth weeks approaching, travel will keep me, personally, from being present for the “appointed rounds.” : )

Now, here is an aspect worth noticing as a small glimpse of the Life and Freedom we share. Here’s a small “video clip” of “the Dance” we have together of 1 Corinthians 12 Holy Spirit Immersion. It’s some simple 1 John 1 Light, Fellowship and Joy—some Swimming in the Son’s Life top to bottom, in and through: Insanely obvious, and practical, right?! If I return from two weeks away and the brothers reach a conclusion that this particular environment of the golf “men’s club” is too costly, too un-influenceable, or inappropriate as an activity and Habitat for reception or transference of Life—I would never dream of second-guessing or ignoring the discernment of the “eye.” It would NEVER, ever enter my mind that “that’s just their problem, and when *I* was there, *I* didn’t see any problems *MY*self. So, *I* will do what is right in *MY* own eyes, until *I* ‘see’ it for *MY*self.”

Surely, I would ask what they “saw” and how they reached that decision, and might probe a bit, particularly if I didn’t understand. But in the end, pride, arrogance, lack of trust and loyalty, determining to be ‘god’ of every circumstance in *MY* life that *I* don’t myself “see”—as if I were the lone “eye”—would only prove my lack of Baptism and lack of centurion Faith. Prideful independence would only rob me, and those who depend on me, of the Fullness of Life that Jesus Desires! If it’s not practical and observable and life and decision-altering, IS IT REAL?! Hmmmmm. : )

“And we being many, are one.”

“When you’ve seen me, you’ve seen them...”

“Father, may they be one, in the same way You and I are One” (John 17:21).

“Contending as one man for the Faith” (Philippians 1:27).

“Joined and knit together by every supporting ligament” (Ephesians 4:16).

“Submit to one another, out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21).

“If you have any encouragement from being together united into Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any intimacy with the person of the Holy Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by having the same union of heart and mind, having the same intimacy of love, being ONE in spirit and in purpose...” (Philippians 2:1-2).

“Do everything then, without complaining and arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure. Live the Life of children of God without fault, regardless of the pressures and ways of this crooked and depraved generation. And then, as you hold out the Word of Life, you will SHINE like stars in the universe!” (Philippians 2:14-15).

“THIS is HOW all men will know you are MY disciples—by the love that they witness you pouring out for one another” (John 13:35).