Broken or strong?

It's amazing how a simple cut on your thumb or index finger can affect the way you do everything.  From holding your coffee cup to preparing a meal, things that were once an assumption become tedious. It's the same with a group of Christians.  When some one or some part of the fellowship is broken, everyone  suffers.  Consider the following examples:

• When a prominent Christian leader makes a public mistake, the rest of us have to suffer being discredited while this person's name is dragged through the mud.
• When a spouse is caught in adultery, the friends of that couple are often forced to take sides.
• When a friend has an unholy habit, grief and stress are transferred to those in this person's circle of influence.

The same is true, however, of the opposite: When some one or some part of the fellowship is strong, everyone benefits.  Consider these examples:

• When a wife diligently hauls her children to church, the husband is encouraged to follow suit.
• When a friend takes a stand against foul language, others in their circle of influence seem to hold their tongues.
• When a father faithfully prays each morning with his children, generations to come reap the benefits.

So, think about Galatians 6:8-10 as you consider which of the above categories fits you best:  "Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. ⁹ So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. ¹⁰ Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith."