Together # 29
A Together that Strengthens
A Together that Strengthens
Commend One Another
copyright by Dick Wulf, 2018
Publicly mention one another favorably, recommending one another to others who need help.
Rom 16:1-2; 1 Cor 16:13-18; 2 Cor 6:3-10; 2 Cor 10: 12-18; 2 Cor 12:11
This Together to Commend One Another is one of the easiest to implement. Most all of us enjoy recognizing one another’s skills, especially if we are not so gifted. And, how satisfying when we can recommend a person of skill to someone who needs help.
The Apostle Paul commended Phoebe, a deacon in one of the churches, saying that she had helped many people, including himself.
The Apostle Paul commended Phoebe, a deacon in one of the churches, saying that she had helped many people, including himself.
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I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deaconof the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.
Romans 16:1-2
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The Apostle Paul also complained that he should have been commended.
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I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing.
2 Cor 12:11
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Another place in Scripture, the Apostle Paul commended a whole group of faithful Christians.
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You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. . . . For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.
1 Cor 16:15 & 18
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So, it is quite clear that commending one another is something we should do. Commending is mentioning our confidence in someone else’s skill or spiritual strength. This occurs most powerfully in Christian community through recommendation. Notice that commend is the root of recommendation.
There are practical reasons Christians need to commend one another because there is a wealth of resources in each group of believers. But, unfortunately, those resources are generally unavailable to other Christians who really need them because of lack of commendation.
Foundational to commending one another is knowing that we do not belong to ourselves. We belong to God, and then to each other (See the Together: Belong to One Another). He has paid a dear price for us and we are to be his servants. We are not new creatures in Christ so that we can be spoiled with safety, comfort and pleasure. We need to be ready to serve others.
There are practical reasons Christians need to commend one another because there is a wealth of resources in each group of believers. But, unfortunately, those resources are generally unavailable to other Christians who really need them because of lack of commendation.
Foundational to commending one another is knowing that we do not belong to ourselves. We belong to God, and then to each other (See the Together: Belong to One Another). He has paid a dear price for us and we are to be his servants. We are not new creatures in Christ so that we can be spoiled with safety, comfort and pleasure. We need to be ready to serve others.
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit,
who is in you, whom you have received from God?
You are not your own; you were bought at a price.
Therefore honor God with your bodies.
1 Cor 6:19-20
For we are God’s handiwork,
created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Eph 2:10
who is in you, whom you have received from God?
You are not your own; you were bought at a price.
Therefore honor God with your bodies.
1 Cor 6:19-20
For we are God’s handiwork,
created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Eph 2:10
Without regular and frequent commendation by everyone in our Christian inner circles of friends and relatives, people cannot serve God often enough for Him to receive the devotion called for by ownership. Without regular and frequent commendation by everyone, many people will not know who has whatever they need in the way of physical or spiritual resources.
Everyone has, or should have, an inner circle of Christian friends and relatives. Each of those Christians has, in turn, their own inner circle which includes other people. This creates an ever expanding network of Christians with hundreds of needed resources given them by God for the use of other Christians.
This concept of networking is not new, and it is used by many Christians and non-Christians. We even have Internet social networks like LinkedIn to hook people up to help one another. So, how can Christian networking be superior, powered as it is by God’s love?
Christians need to be much more available to one another through commending and recommending. The key to superiority in networking is availability. Unfortunately, Christians are in most cases no more available to one another than are non-Christians for each other. But, our self-denying “agape” love must power commendation and recommendation into remarkable networking. (Agape love is what the Bible is almost always talking about. It is love that is self-denying for the good of another. Scripture commands this deeper love even for our enemies.)
Because of the Christian’s “brand” of love, they should be able to recommend the services of someone in their inner circle to any other Christian, whether unpopular, strange, average or filthy rich. Nonbelievers are usually more hesitant, selecting more exclusively who will be helped by a recommendation. We will not because we know that whoever we recommend to another belongs to God for Him to use however He wants. We will also not limit who can be helped by another Christian because we are not to show favoritism.
Everyone has, or should have, an inner circle of Christian friends and relatives. Each of those Christians has, in turn, their own inner circle which includes other people. This creates an ever expanding network of Christians with hundreds of needed resources given them by God for the use of other Christians.
This concept of networking is not new, and it is used by many Christians and non-Christians. We even have Internet social networks like LinkedIn to hook people up to help one another. So, how can Christian networking be superior, powered as it is by God’s love?
Christians need to be much more available to one another through commending and recommending. The key to superiority in networking is availability. Unfortunately, Christians are in most cases no more available to one another than are non-Christians for each other. But, our self-denying “agape” love must power commendation and recommendation into remarkable networking. (Agape love is what the Bible is almost always talking about. It is love that is self-denying for the good of another. Scripture commands this deeper love even for our enemies.)
Because of the Christian’s “brand” of love, they should be able to recommend the services of someone in their inner circle to any other Christian, whether unpopular, strange, average or filthy rich. Nonbelievers are usually more hesitant, selecting more exclusively who will be helped by a recommendation. We will not because we know that whoever we recommend to another belongs to God for Him to use however He wants. We will also not limit who can be helped by another Christian because we are not to show favoritism.
For God does not show favoritism.
Romans 2:11
Romans 2:11
To help the Lord with the work He wants to do in the lives of his people, Christians will have to constantly seek to discover new and valuable talents in each and every person in his or her Christian inner circle. Then that knowledge has to be remembered and passed on at the appropriate time.
What is more common with most of us is we hear of a person’s need and consider if we can be of help. If we can, we do. But, if we can’t, we too often do not think of who else might be able to help the person in need. And, too often if we do know of someone, we hesitate to make the recommendation for fear of bothering our friend who has what is needed. This needs to change.
It is not that hard to discover in our inner circles the talents that might occasionally be needed by others. For example, my inner circle is made up of Christians with whom I have a close and committed relationship. But, they do not all know one another. So, if one of them needs someone with a special skill or knowledge, I can make a recommendation of a Christian in my inner circle who is not in theirs, whom they do not know.
For this to work well, we need to help everyone in our Christian inner circle truly desire to serve the Lord as He needs them. We need to help one another recognize the special privilege it is to be used by the King. And to be used by God not just occasionally or when it is convenient. Other Togethers address this task of actually helping one another be active in service (for example, Spur One Another on to Love and Good Deeds). This interwoven nature of the Togethers, which is simply obeying the whole of Scripture, sets the stage for commendation to be freely done. We need this freedom to recommend, and it comes from the willingness of other Christians to be called into service.
But commendation goes beyond just recommending someone to help. It means getting the word out across the network of Christian inner circles. In “recommending”, we bring up another’s talent or spiritual strength as a need is expressed. Yet, “commending” stretches to include spreading the word around about a person’s gifts and talents from God in case a need arises that requires networking through Christian inner circles. Remember that the definition of “commend” includes “to present, mention, or praise as worthy of confidence, or notice”.
To illustrate, let’s assume that my 5 closest Christian friends plus my wife Jean each have at least 5 notable areas of life skills and spiritual strengths plus one supernatural spiritual gift. That means that in my conversations with other Christians, I can mention from time to time 36 important resources owned by God and available within reason as needed. If some of those commendations are then passed on, most likely more than 200 announcements will be made about practical resources available from God for His people through His people.
Sadly, some people are embarrassed when commended and complimented by others. Yet, athletes don’t seem so embarrassed. Is it more acceptable to feel good about athletic performance for a team effort than faithful service together for the Lord of Heaven? Let’s help our Christian friends, family members, and spouses go along with compliments, commendations, and recommendations and make themselves available for service. If any of them think acknowledging talents and spiritual growth is prideful, let’s help them realize that they can be proud of what God has given them for serving others, as long as they don’t compare themselves to anybody else.
What is more common with most of us is we hear of a person’s need and consider if we can be of help. If we can, we do. But, if we can’t, we too often do not think of who else might be able to help the person in need. And, too often if we do know of someone, we hesitate to make the recommendation for fear of bothering our friend who has what is needed. This needs to change.
It is not that hard to discover in our inner circles the talents that might occasionally be needed by others. For example, my inner circle is made up of Christians with whom I have a close and committed relationship. But, they do not all know one another. So, if one of them needs someone with a special skill or knowledge, I can make a recommendation of a Christian in my inner circle who is not in theirs, whom they do not know.
For this to work well, we need to help everyone in our Christian inner circle truly desire to serve the Lord as He needs them. We need to help one another recognize the special privilege it is to be used by the King. And to be used by God not just occasionally or when it is convenient. Other Togethers address this task of actually helping one another be active in service (for example, Spur One Another on to Love and Good Deeds). This interwoven nature of the Togethers, which is simply obeying the whole of Scripture, sets the stage for commendation to be freely done. We need this freedom to recommend, and it comes from the willingness of other Christians to be called into service.
But commendation goes beyond just recommending someone to help. It means getting the word out across the network of Christian inner circles. In “recommending”, we bring up another’s talent or spiritual strength as a need is expressed. Yet, “commending” stretches to include spreading the word around about a person’s gifts and talents from God in case a need arises that requires networking through Christian inner circles. Remember that the definition of “commend” includes “to present, mention, or praise as worthy of confidence, or notice”.
To illustrate, let’s assume that my 5 closest Christian friends plus my wife Jean each have at least 5 notable areas of life skills and spiritual strengths plus one supernatural spiritual gift. That means that in my conversations with other Christians, I can mention from time to time 36 important resources owned by God and available within reason as needed. If some of those commendations are then passed on, most likely more than 200 announcements will be made about practical resources available from God for His people through His people.
Sadly, some people are embarrassed when commended and complimented by others. Yet, athletes don’t seem so embarrassed. Is it more acceptable to feel good about athletic performance for a team effort than faithful service together for the Lord of Heaven? Let’s help our Christian friends, family members, and spouses go along with compliments, commendations, and recommendations and make themselves available for service. If any of them think acknowledging talents and spiritual growth is prideful, let’s help them realize that they can be proud of what God has given them for serving others, as long as they don’t compare themselves to anybody else.
Each one should test their own actions.
Then they can take pride in themselves alone,
without comparing themselves to someone else,
for each one should carry their own load.
Gal 6:4-5
Then they can take pride in themselves alone,
without comparing themselves to someone else,
for each one should carry their own load.
Gal 6:4-5
Feeling good about who God equipped them to be, weak in themselves but talented through God’s provision, Christians should get on with their responsibility to use what they can be righteously proud of. This is what is probably meant in Gal. 6:5 by “each one should carry their own load”. Each of us is to carry out the responsibilities assigned by God through His provision of talents, abilities and spiritual strengths.
The biblical command to commend is essential to the witness and health of the church. Each Christian “inner circle” is a network belonging to the Lord activated through commendation.
Opportunity to Become More and More Like Jesus Christ
The biblical command to commend is essential to the witness and health of the church. Each Christian “inner circle” is a network belonging to the Lord activated through commendation.
Opportunity to Become More and More Like Jesus Christ
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Richard and Doug are close friends who want to be like Jesus. They want to be able to recommend each other at the highest level when they come in contact with someone who has a need that matches their God-given strengths. They have often discussed how Jesus told his disciples to get something for the thousands to eat, even when there was hardly any food available. Jesus knew his disciples were dedicated to him and, therefore, he could commit them. Doug and Richard want to be able to commit each other to help others from the abilities God has given them.
One day in February, Richard’s wife got a call from a church friend whose car would not start. Richard was told about it and called Doug. “Doug, a woman my wife knows can’t get her car started and she is struggling as a single mom to make ends meet. I told her that you would help as soon as possible because you are good at fixing cars. When can we go over there to see if you can help out?” Doug took care of it that evening after he got off work. He went without dinner, but Richard brought him a sandwich made by his grateful wife. Later in the year Doug was eating lunch at work with a guy who is a Christian but whose faith has been failing him because his mother has come down with cancer. Doug knows that Richard is good at strengthening faith in others and asks his workmate if he will talk with his friend Richard. Later, he tells Richard he needs him to meet with someone to help restore faith. Richard makes the phone call and takes Doug’s workmate to breakfast on Saturday. |
Believing in people and telling them they are capable is a way of commending them. As such, Jesus commended all the time. “You can do it!” was always His message whenever he spoke. (Why would Jesus tell us to do things we could not do?) In the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5-7) Jesus told us we can do all sorts of things, among them to not worry about food and clothing, feel blessed when we are persecuted, and pray to God.
We often call this “encouraging”, but it is not so much putting courage into them as commending them as capable with God’s empowerment. The Together of Encourage One Another is used to place courage into each other for the assignments of God which we are not tackling assertively. On the other hand, Commend One Another is far more extensive and helps Christians believe in their capabilities as new creatures in Christ empowered by the Holy Spirit.
To become more and more like Jesus in commending, let’s closely observe where each of those in our inner circles are not pursuing their potential in Christ. Then, let’s make sure we express that they “can do it”, whatever “it” is that the Holy Spirit brings to our attention.
Commendation can mean pointing out something good in another person. Jesus did this with Nathanael.
We often call this “encouraging”, but it is not so much putting courage into them as commending them as capable with God’s empowerment. The Together of Encourage One Another is used to place courage into each other for the assignments of God which we are not tackling assertively. On the other hand, Commend One Another is far more extensive and helps Christians believe in their capabilities as new creatures in Christ empowered by the Holy Spirit.
To become more and more like Jesus in commending, let’s closely observe where each of those in our inner circles are not pursuing their potential in Christ. Then, let’s make sure we express that they “can do it”, whatever “it” is that the Holy Spirit brings to our attention.
Commendation can mean pointing out something good in another person. Jesus did this with Nathanael.
When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him,
“Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”
John 1:47
“Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”
John 1:47
Here is another way that we can work at becoming more like Jesus. Let’s not pass up too many chances to compliment other Christians. And, let’s not withhold compliments from someone who does not come up to our standards for them. Do we really think that Jesus approved of everything Nathanael did? Actually, complimenting a less-faithful Christian for an act or area of faithfulness can spur them on to greater faithfulness.
A third way to commend is to recommend. Jesus recommended John to his mother for her care after he was gone.
A third way to commend is to recommend. Jesus recommended John to his mother for her care after he was gone.
When Jesus saw his mother there,
and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby,
he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,”
and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”
From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
John 19:26-27
while dying on the cross
and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby,
he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,”
and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”
From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
John 19:26-27
while dying on the cross
The more Christians recommend one another to others needing their contribution, the more they are becoming like Jesus.
Putting people to work is a fourth way of commending them. On two recorded occasions Jesus recommended the disciples when He gave them the task of feeding the multitudes who were gathered to listen to his teaching. Likewise, we can put people to work, especially those in our close inner circles.
Opportunity to Worship God
Putting people to work is a fourth way of commending them. On two recorded occasions Jesus recommended the disciples when He gave them the task of feeding the multitudes who were gathered to listen to his teaching. Likewise, we can put people to work, especially those in our close inner circles.
Opportunity to Worship God
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Mountain Top Church has taken commending and recommending quite seriously. The church has about 100 adults and teenagers. Church leaders have asked these people to complete a Commendation Form listing others in the church whom they know to have some valuable service, talent or spiritual strength to share with others. But, they must first commend the persons personally and then get their permission to recommend them to others at Mountain Top.
A directory of resources is published on the church web site requiring a password given only to church members. There are rules to follow. People are only expected to make themselves available once a month so that no one gets overwhelmed. But, people can do more if they want. However, they can also have a waiting list for their services. The Coordinator of Commendation is a retired member and this is her church service. Anyone who wants to withdraw their availability can contact her and she removes their entry in the directory. A person can be off permanently or only for a specified period of time. Looking over the many listings, one finds names and phone numbers under such headings as house cleaning, minor auto repair, simple tax preparation, bargain purchasing, and dealing with decreasing faith. |
God the Father commended Jesus.
At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God
descending like a dove and alighting on him.
And a voice from heaven said,
“This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.
Matt 3:16-17
While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them,
and a voice from the cloud said,
“This is my Son, whom I love;
with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
Matt 17:5
at the transfiguration
descending like a dove and alighting on him.
And a voice from heaven said,
“This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.
Matt 3:16-17
While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them,
and a voice from the cloud said,
“This is my Son, whom I love;
with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
Matt 17:5
at the transfiguration
Since God commended Jesus and Jesus commended others all the time, we can worship by doing the same. God has given us the assignment and wisdom in Christian relationships to commend one another. When we do so, we worship God by reflecting back to Him his own empowerment through commendation of his servants for good works. We also reflect back to God the nature of the Holy Spirit who leads people to resources for their needs.
We commend by (a) complimenting, (b) spreading the word around about the things other Christians have to offer, (c) recommending someone who might be of help, (d) assigning good works to another Christian, and (e) pointing out what God says we should do, and, therefore, of what we are capable. All of these are worshipful, as God does them all.
It is the last that we will look at more closely as worship.
Most of the Bible is God telling us, “You can live my way.” Therefore, we Christians have an inexhaustible opportunity to commend one another. Reading these Togethers should convince us without a doubt that we only live God’s way but a little. We only occasionally obey Scripture, and usually much more superficially than possible.
We are all aware that we give ourselves undeserved “high grades” on living like Christians because our Christian culture only expects minimal faith and easy dedication to God. We have been lulled into believing that we are “good Christians” because we go to church, don’t take the Lord’s name in vain, and other non-demanding acts of faith. We can have a great devotional life and consider ourselves on top of Christianity when we haven’t risked telling the gospel to anyone in a long time or pointed out to a close friend how she or he needs to be more faithful.
Since Jesus died for our sins, it should be easy and non-threatening to admit our sins and shortcomings in the faith. By being “easy on ourselves” and thinking of ourselves as living “pretty much God’s way” we can avoid guilt trips. But, what if there is a faith where we know we are guilty but also forgiven? If we avoid guilt when we are guilty, when we claim we are generally sinless, we might be calling God a liar.
We commend by (a) complimenting, (b) spreading the word around about the things other Christians have to offer, (c) recommending someone who might be of help, (d) assigning good works to another Christian, and (e) pointing out what God says we should do, and, therefore, of what we are capable. All of these are worshipful, as God does them all.
It is the last that we will look at more closely as worship.
Most of the Bible is God telling us, “You can live my way.” Therefore, we Christians have an inexhaustible opportunity to commend one another. Reading these Togethers should convince us without a doubt that we only live God’s way but a little. We only occasionally obey Scripture, and usually much more superficially than possible.
We are all aware that we give ourselves undeserved “high grades” on living like Christians because our Christian culture only expects minimal faith and easy dedication to God. We have been lulled into believing that we are “good Christians” because we go to church, don’t take the Lord’s name in vain, and other non-demanding acts of faith. We can have a great devotional life and consider ourselves on top of Christianity when we haven’t risked telling the gospel to anyone in a long time or pointed out to a close friend how she or he needs to be more faithful.
Since Jesus died for our sins, it should be easy and non-threatening to admit our sins and shortcomings in the faith. By being “easy on ourselves” and thinking of ourselves as living “pretty much God’s way” we can avoid guilt trips. But, what if there is a faith where we know we are guilty but also forgiven? If we avoid guilt when we are guilty, when we claim we are generally sinless, we might be calling God a liar.
If we claim to be without sin,
we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins,
he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins
and purify us from all unrighteousness.
If we claim we have not sinned,
we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
1 John 1:8-10
we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins,
he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins
and purify us from all unrighteousness.
If we claim we have not sinned,
we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
1 John 1:8-10
Those we are close to and, especially non-believing friends and family members, need to see God’s holiness through the open admission of our sinfulness. Outsiders looking into our lives of faith should see our comfort at having shortcomings of faith being pointed out resulting in sincere confession and repentance. Commendation by pointing out what we are capable of in walking with God is a tremendous power in both sanctification and witnessing.
To open the door for “you can do it” commendations, we want to recognize that we need to live God’s way in many areas of our lives where we do not. We have absolutely nothing to gain in overestimating our Christlikeness. In so doing, we hold ourselves back from the beauty of becoming more like Jesus and discovering God’s best way to live.
To open the door for “you can do it” commendations, we want to recognize that we need to live God’s way in many areas of our lives where we do not. We have absolutely nothing to gain in overestimating our Christlikeness. In so doing, we hold ourselves back from the beauty of becoming more like Jesus and discovering God’s best way to live.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy,
to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,
holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve
what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:1-2
to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,
holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve
what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:1-2
With a new self created in Christ Jesus that knows when we have not lived the way God wants, we want to feel guilt that identifies something that could be better and needs to change. It is not condemning guilt but corrective guilt. We then have the great opportunity to confess and repent and be cleansed from all unrighteousness.
So, the stage is all set for us to have one another’s help through commendation to adopt more and more of God’s way of living. Can we do it? Can we become more accepting of our spiritual shortcomings so that our close Christian friends, family members, and spouses can remind us regularly what God tells us to do and that we can obey? Can we let others worship God by graciously accepting their “God asks it, and you can do it” commendations?
How Used in Battle to Defeat Evil and Satan
So, the stage is all set for us to have one another’s help through commendation to adopt more and more of God’s way of living. Can we do it? Can we become more accepting of our spiritual shortcomings so that our close Christian friends, family members, and spouses can remind us regularly what God tells us to do and that we can obey? Can we let others worship God by graciously accepting their “God asks it, and you can do it” commendations?
How Used in Battle to Defeat Evil and Satan
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The Sanders family realizes that the devil wants to keep them from reaching their potential in Christ. To counter this, they have adopted the family purpose “to help one another glorify and enjoy God and become all that we can be as individuals and as a family”.
The Sanders take the Bible’s warnings seriously. As a result they have studied and implemented many Togethers of Scripture to defeat Satan. One very powerful tool has been commending one another. They take time to point out one another’s strengths, ask one another for help all the time, send each other to another family member for help often, and continually point out in a kind way how they can do what God has asked of them. Just the other day, the 13-year-old sister was having trouble planning a birthday party for her best friend. At a family meeting, she asked for everyone’s help. One of the things that happened was that the 6-year-old brother pointed out that the 10-year-old brother was really good at coming up with ideas. That brother asked for a few days to think and research. Another family meeting was scheduled to see what he came up with. |
We defeat Satan every time we (a) help another Christian recognize his or her own godly behavior through commending complements, (b) get the word out about the resources God has made available through specific Christians, (c) connect people with needs with those who have the needed resources, (d) assign helpful interventions to another Christian, and (e) and give “God says to do this, therefore, you can do it” commendations. Each of these types of commendation counters the devil’s strategies to defeat and discourage Christians and keep them from honoring God by living His way.
An army squad knows who to call on in battle. They know who can fire different kinds of weapons. A fighting unit that does not know what each soldier is equipped to do well will not last long under fire.
Whether we know it or not, we are continually in terrible battle.
An army squad knows who to call on in battle. They know who can fire different kinds of weapons. A fighting unit that does not know what each soldier is equipped to do well will not last long under fire.
Whether we know it or not, we are continually in terrible battle.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,
but against the rulers, against the authorities,
against the powers of this dark world
and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Eph 6:12
but against the rulers, against the authorities,
against the powers of this dark world
and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Eph 6:12
Satan deceives us by getting us to think that if we are comfortable and enjoying life, all is well and there is no war going on around us. But, if we open our eyes to what is happening in the lives of both Christians and nonbelievers around us, we will see the most subtle and destructive forces of evil.
We are the army of God, and we have to learn to fight evil with more dedication. We are equipped to march against the gates of hades which will not be able to withstand our assault. Many of the Togethers have to do with battling evil by preventing it as well as rescuing people from things meant to hurt them.
For this battle, we need each and every resource God has placed in his people. Consider this example of a skill not usually thought of as a battle weapon. If someone is really good at spelling and others know that it is a talent from God, that skill needs to be known across a wide range of Christians. It will be needed in destroying evil and establishing good. Someone, perhaps even four inner circle networks away from the spelling guru, needs that help for some job application, important legal form, or letter to restore a broken relationship. In this example, four Christian inner circles will need to network and spread the fame and availability of the exemplary speller.
Since we want so much to defeat the devil whenever he is active, networking Christian talents and strengths is very important. How many Christians do not defeat the enemy when help would have been available through a friend of a friend of a friend? So, we have to recognize and accept that we are at war and that evil spiritual beings and forces are wracking havoc all around us. Then, we should be more than happy for other Christians to pass on whatever God has given us in the way of skills, qualities, and spiritual growth.
Furthermore, soldiers at war can tell each other what to do. They have an unspoken agreement to get the job done, whatever is required. They don’t ask, “Pretty please, would you . . . ?” They have previously worked it out that they are a fighting unit and can count on one another. It is the same in team athletics. Players have the right to shout orders to one another, especially team captains. This is probably most clearly seen in basketball where “assists” are valued and counted. Players get credit for passing the ball so another can score. Commending and recommending are “assists” in the Christian life.
So, in our Christian inner circles, as in Army squads and athletic teams, we need to be able to put one another to work for God. When someone tells us of an important need, we need to be able to recommend someone for the help needed. The best is to have permission from others to actually commit their help. If someone wants to pay someone to do something, we will say with certainty, “I am sure so-and-so will help you. I will have him get in touch with you.” Believer and unbeliever do that easily. Why is it harder to do when there is no pay?
In battle, we need to be able to say “I am sure so-and-so will help you. I will have him get in touch with you.” even though there is no financial gain for anyone. We need to agree to be called into action. Imagine what good things would happen if every Christian could recommend with confidence another believer to give needed help? Wow! Would the world see Jesus in action!
How in the Sinful Environment this Together Prepares Us for Heaven
We are the army of God, and we have to learn to fight evil with more dedication. We are equipped to march against the gates of hades which will not be able to withstand our assault. Many of the Togethers have to do with battling evil by preventing it as well as rescuing people from things meant to hurt them.
For this battle, we need each and every resource God has placed in his people. Consider this example of a skill not usually thought of as a battle weapon. If someone is really good at spelling and others know that it is a talent from God, that skill needs to be known across a wide range of Christians. It will be needed in destroying evil and establishing good. Someone, perhaps even four inner circle networks away from the spelling guru, needs that help for some job application, important legal form, or letter to restore a broken relationship. In this example, four Christian inner circles will need to network and spread the fame and availability of the exemplary speller.
Since we want so much to defeat the devil whenever he is active, networking Christian talents and strengths is very important. How many Christians do not defeat the enemy when help would have been available through a friend of a friend of a friend? So, we have to recognize and accept that we are at war and that evil spiritual beings and forces are wracking havoc all around us. Then, we should be more than happy for other Christians to pass on whatever God has given us in the way of skills, qualities, and spiritual growth.
Furthermore, soldiers at war can tell each other what to do. They have an unspoken agreement to get the job done, whatever is required. They don’t ask, “Pretty please, would you . . . ?” They have previously worked it out that they are a fighting unit and can count on one another. It is the same in team athletics. Players have the right to shout orders to one another, especially team captains. This is probably most clearly seen in basketball where “assists” are valued and counted. Players get credit for passing the ball so another can score. Commending and recommending are “assists” in the Christian life.
So, in our Christian inner circles, as in Army squads and athletic teams, we need to be able to put one another to work for God. When someone tells us of an important need, we need to be able to recommend someone for the help needed. The best is to have permission from others to actually commit their help. If someone wants to pay someone to do something, we will say with certainty, “I am sure so-and-so will help you. I will have him get in touch with you.” Believer and unbeliever do that easily. Why is it harder to do when there is no pay?
In battle, we need to be able to say “I am sure so-and-so will help you. I will have him get in touch with you.” even though there is no financial gain for anyone. We need to agree to be called into action. Imagine what good things would happen if every Christian could recommend with confidence another believer to give needed help? Wow! Would the world see Jesus in action!
How in the Sinful Environment this Together Prepares Us for Heaven
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Bonnie is known as the “Go To Girl” in heaven because she enjoys finding resources for others whenever they want to try something new and need help. It is not surprising when you know what she did back in one of the most evil times on earth before she died.
Bonnie was married to Harold who ran a small convenience store. Harold served lots of people, and some of them concerned him more than others. There was one boy, we will call him “Joe” to protect his identity. “Joe” came into the store to buy cigarettes and was always sullen. Harold showed interest in “Joe”, but usually received the silent treatment in return. Harold did not give up and one day “Joe” commented that his water heater was not working and his “super” (apartment superintendent) didn’t find “Joe” important enough to get it fixed quickly. Harold mentioned this to his wife Bonnie. Bonnie became determined to get “Joe” help and called her church and then four others before she found a Christian plumber willing to volunteer his help. She and the plumber hung around Harold’s convenience store, waiting for “Joe” to come. They helped stock shelves for a while, and then “Joe” appeared. Bonnie introduced herself as Harold’s wife and then introduced the plumber as a Christian who loves Jesus and would like to come right then and see if he could fix the water heater. To make a long story short, “Joe” was then invited to dinner and a relationship began with Bonnie and Harold. Three months later “Joe” brought a box of materials to Bonnie and Harold’s home and asked their help in getting rid of some things. It turned out “Joe” was an ISIS terrorist recruit and the box contained materials to make bombs. He had been recruited over the Internet because he was alone, from a broken home, and alienated from American society. Thus, he found the propaganda of terror attractive. Is it any wonder that in heaven Bonnie is the “Go To Girl”? |
Recommending" one another will encourage each of us to be more faithful in service. Once we make the decision to allow our Christian inner circle to recommend us for service to others, it will be hard to “lay low” and get out of the habit of letting God help others through us.
In heaven, it will still be quite important for Christians to recommend one another’s services. For example, someone who before death was confined to a wheelchair from birth and watched a lot of basketball on television will need a recommendation of someone who can teach him how to finally play, now that he is not disabled. Whoever that someone is will in heaven naturally want word spread around that he is available to teach basketball.
Heaven will have so many brand-new opportunities that we will be busy doing different things for all eternity. (Boredom does not await us in eternal life.) All kinds of help will be needed from others to learn these things. Maybe even from angels. It is hard to believe that God will utilize impersonal ways like the Internet for citizens of his kingdom to find out about one another. Commendation, recommendation and networks of relationships make far more sense for a society where person-to-person interactions will reflect God’s personal touch.
We will not be hesitant to recommend others in heaven because there will be no sin. However, it still will be good to go there with some experience under our belts in connecting people who have a need with someone who can help. Also, it would be good to go to heaven having developed an attitude of availability that carries the confidence to let others spread the word about how we can be of help.
When we recommend others to help someone now, against the interference of such ungracious sins as self-focus, stinginess, and procrastination, we urge them to get over these things and become more prepared for heaven. Unless we want our friends to enter heaven with less joy in their eternal lives of service to God and others, let’s not let them avoid what is truly best for them. Recommend them. And get them recommending us.
How this Together Can Make it Really Good in Heaven
In heaven, it will still be quite important for Christians to recommend one another’s services. For example, someone who before death was confined to a wheelchair from birth and watched a lot of basketball on television will need a recommendation of someone who can teach him how to finally play, now that he is not disabled. Whoever that someone is will in heaven naturally want word spread around that he is available to teach basketball.
Heaven will have so many brand-new opportunities that we will be busy doing different things for all eternity. (Boredom does not await us in eternal life.) All kinds of help will be needed from others to learn these things. Maybe even from angels. It is hard to believe that God will utilize impersonal ways like the Internet for citizens of his kingdom to find out about one another. Commendation, recommendation and networks of relationships make far more sense for a society where person-to-person interactions will reflect God’s personal touch.
We will not be hesitant to recommend others in heaven because there will be no sin. However, it still will be good to go there with some experience under our belts in connecting people who have a need with someone who can help. Also, it would be good to go to heaven having developed an attitude of availability that carries the confidence to let others spread the word about how we can be of help.
When we recommend others to help someone now, against the interference of such ungracious sins as self-focus, stinginess, and procrastination, we urge them to get over these things and become more prepared for heaven. Unless we want our friends to enter heaven with less joy in their eternal lives of service to God and others, let’s not let them avoid what is truly best for them. Recommend them. And get them recommending us.
How this Together Can Make it Really Good in Heaven
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Zaida remembers from heaven that she did not get to try much when she lived in poverty before she died after a hard life of cleaning hospital floors and trying to raise four children on her own. But, it does not bring sadness because her prior deprivation just makes all of the endless opportunities in heaven that much more special.
In all those years before death, no one took interest in her. Teachers paid attention only to the brightest kids. Employers favored more lighthearted individuals. But now! Yes, now. Here in heaven everyone seems always to be offering help so Zaida can enjoy activities she never dreamed of. Freed from sin’s bondage of poverty and neglect, Zaida is learning all kinds of things and is finally lighthearted. She particularly enjoys the absence of worry lines on her forehead. |
We are tempted to think of heaven primarily as a place that gives us good things. And, surely it will. However, the rewards given to us in heaven by God are not presented as such.
While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable,
because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought
that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. . . .
“So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas.
‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’ . . . .
Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money,
in order to find out what they had gained with it.
The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’
‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied.
‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter,
take charge of ten cities.’”
Luke 19:11-17 [portions]
because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought
that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. . . .
“So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas.
‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’ . . . .
Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money,
in order to find out what they had gained with it.
The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’
‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied.
‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter,
take charge of ten cities.’”
Luke 19:11-17 [portions]
Unless we have had jobs, either for pay, at home, or volunteering, that gave us superior joy, we may have difficulty looking forward to an eternal life of serving God and the citizens of heaven. There is no real basis for believing that heaven will just be enjoying sports, hobbies and the like. So, to see how commending others will make it really good in heaven requires a frame of mind that doing something important, serving God and serving others, is preferable.
In heaven the needs of other people will be only pleasant. The timelessness of heaven will take away any sense of hurry or emergency. Harm will not be the source of needed help. Inferiority will be gone, so we will not fear that our help will not be enough. When it is not the complete solution to whatever is needed, others will gladly step in. To repeat, in heaven the needs of other people will only be pleasant.
Since helping others will be only something wonderful, we have an eternity of wonderful service awaiting us. When we get to heaven, the more we have commended others and allowed them to recommend us, the faster start we will get in most satisfying service to others.
In heaven, we will not have to wonder how we should spend our days. God will take care of that in the joys of worshiping Him, serving whoever comes to us for help, recommending sources of help for those we meet looking for a good referral, and occasionally pursuing our own recreational opportunities.
Opportunity for a Closer Relationship with God through Empathy
In heaven the needs of other people will be only pleasant. The timelessness of heaven will take away any sense of hurry or emergency. Harm will not be the source of needed help. Inferiority will be gone, so we will not fear that our help will not be enough. When it is not the complete solution to whatever is needed, others will gladly step in. To repeat, in heaven the needs of other people will only be pleasant.
Since helping others will be only something wonderful, we have an eternity of wonderful service awaiting us. When we get to heaven, the more we have commended others and allowed them to recommend us, the faster start we will get in most satisfying service to others.
In heaven, we will not have to wonder how we should spend our days. God will take care of that in the joys of worshiping Him, serving whoever comes to us for help, recommending sources of help for those we meet looking for a good referral, and occasionally pursuing our own recreational opportunities.
Opportunity for a Closer Relationship with God through Empathy
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The Lord of Heaven approaches the small group of us meeting in the library. We fall reverently silent. He smiles at us and begins to speak.
“I just want to express my appreciation to each of you for seeing that commendation was a part of your faith before you got to your eternal home. For some of you, it was a significant part of your ministry in my Name. Every time you pointed out the talents and skills and spiritual strengths I had placed in another Christian, you were letting me live in you. I feel really close to you because you commended others as well as allowed them to recommend you.” Then Jesus sits down with us. We all look around and notice that some of us are more radiant. Each of us realizes that those are the ones who were exceptional in the commendation process of the church back in the sinful culture. Right now, they are more connected to the Lord. |
When we are with God in heaven, however that manifests itself, He will remember every one of the thousand times he recommended us by having our paths cross with someone who needed us. Hopefully, we each want God to remember lots of times when we responded with willing and thankful hearts for being called into His service.
It only makes sense that the more God remembers us responding helpfully when He brought someone our way, the closer will be our relationship with Him. God will appreciate both when we commended others and when we were the responsive ones recommended.
Let’s not feel guilty and waste time being despondent for not letting others, including God Himself, recommend our services. Let’s not be angry with ourselves for not seeking opportunities to tell that others were available. Let’s just get on to commending others and letting others pass on that we are available in the areas of our strengths: physical, emotional and spiritual.
Let’s look forward to the bonding with God that will then be possible. We want to remember that nothing is more important than our closeness with the Lord.
Praise & Prayer Regarding this Together
Heavenly Father who believes in us so much more than we believe in ourselves: Thank You for telling us how to live and letting us know that in You living Your Way can become natural. I appreciate that You commend me and other Christians toward obedience.
I also thank You for recommending me to others. Every time I have had the faith to help another in Your Name, it has been a wonderful blessing. Please keep on recommending me for service, especially through the commendations of my friends and family.
Open my eyes to what other Christians in my inner circle have to offer others. Help me to develop an extensive knowledge of who can potentially help with their many strengths. Keep me from pride that might cause me to not admit that someone has something to offer that I don’t have. Help me to commend others freely.
I and those in my Christian Inner Circle will need Your help to grow our spirits to think of involving other Christians and their physical, emotional, and spiritual abilities for the benefit of other Christians. Help us to yield to the work of the Holy Spirit for all of us to give You more glory in the way we acknowledge Your provision of help through others.
Please help us all to become more like Jesus and commend other Christians in our Christian Inner Circles. Like our Lord, help us to believe in people and see what good things God has placed in them for the good of others. As Jesus was not timid in commending others, let us not be timid in telling others how they might help and that we think they are capable, especially with the help God will give them when needed.
May our lives worship You more because we reflect Your commendation of Your people to empower them to good works. May we follow Your lead by (a) complimenting, (b) spreading the word around about the things other Christians have to offer, (c) recommending someone who might be of help, (d) assigning good works to another Christian, and (e) pointing out what God shows us needs to be done.
Make us strong in Your power to defeat the devil through recommending and empowering others to get involved to defeat the evil Satan has sown in the lives of other Christians with whom we come in contact. In this way, help us to do our part in mobilizing Your army to go to war with the devil.
Make us ready to recommend one another in heaven to help with so many brand-new opportunities.
It only makes sense that the more God remembers us responding helpfully when He brought someone our way, the closer will be our relationship with Him. God will appreciate both when we commended others and when we were the responsive ones recommended.
Let’s not feel guilty and waste time being despondent for not letting others, including God Himself, recommend our services. Let’s not be angry with ourselves for not seeking opportunities to tell that others were available. Let’s just get on to commending others and letting others pass on that we are available in the areas of our strengths: physical, emotional and spiritual.
Let’s look forward to the bonding with God that will then be possible. We want to remember that nothing is more important than our closeness with the Lord.
Praise & Prayer Regarding this Together
Heavenly Father who believes in us so much more than we believe in ourselves: Thank You for telling us how to live and letting us know that in You living Your Way can become natural. I appreciate that You commend me and other Christians toward obedience.
I also thank You for recommending me to others. Every time I have had the faith to help another in Your Name, it has been a wonderful blessing. Please keep on recommending me for service, especially through the commendations of my friends and family.
Open my eyes to what other Christians in my inner circle have to offer others. Help me to develop an extensive knowledge of who can potentially help with their many strengths. Keep me from pride that might cause me to not admit that someone has something to offer that I don’t have. Help me to commend others freely.
I and those in my Christian Inner Circle will need Your help to grow our spirits to think of involving other Christians and their physical, emotional, and spiritual abilities for the benefit of other Christians. Help us to yield to the work of the Holy Spirit for all of us to give You more glory in the way we acknowledge Your provision of help through others.
Please help us all to become more like Jesus and commend other Christians in our Christian Inner Circles. Like our Lord, help us to believe in people and see what good things God has placed in them for the good of others. As Jesus was not timid in commending others, let us not be timid in telling others how they might help and that we think they are capable, especially with the help God will give them when needed.
May our lives worship You more because we reflect Your commendation of Your people to empower them to good works. May we follow Your lead by (a) complimenting, (b) spreading the word around about the things other Christians have to offer, (c) recommending someone who might be of help, (d) assigning good works to another Christian, and (e) pointing out what God shows us needs to be done.
Make us strong in Your power to defeat the devil through recommending and empowering others to get involved to defeat the evil Satan has sown in the lives of other Christians with whom we come in contact. In this way, help us to do our part in mobilizing Your army to go to war with the devil.
Make us ready to recommend one another in heaven to help with so many brand-new opportunities.
Ever increasing practice of the Togethers of Scripture will (1) create in you the loving essence of Jesus, (2) give Jesus the kind of love He requested, (3) provide you with the most significant spiritual lifestyle which is attainable only through Christian community, (4) offer significant worship to God by reflecting his own character back to him through your behavior, and (5) bring God’s kingdom to earth as asked for in the Lord’s Prayer. And for heaven, such growing obedience to Scripture now will later (6) qualify you for a more responsible place of service as reward in heaven, and, (7) most important of all, give you greater empathy with God for a closer relationship with Him for all of eternity.