Just Love One Another

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” - Hebrews 10:24

Is accountability an acceptable practice in the 21st century? I ponder this question as I watch the world struggle with economic, social and environmental issues. Blaming this person or that person, simply because of their race, gender or political affiliation.  We treat life as if it is a sporting event and there are two sides, which implies that one must win and the other must lose.  In reality we are all on the same side just trying to make it through today. 

It seems that everyone is looking for someone to blame for their plight rather than discovering their part in it and what they can do to help. What does it mean to hold someone accountable? My best friend and I had a pact back when we were in school (many years ago). It basically summarized that we had each other’s back in times of trouble. It also gave each of us the freedom to call the other out when they went astray- which we all know happens a-lot in high-school.
I propose that the same principle should exist today. Sure, life is more complicated now, but none the less, it is more needing of the depth of real friendship. Most people have acquaintances and relationships but lack true friends.  Have you ever taken a look at how many friends you have on your Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat or Facebook account verse how many friends you actually spent time with face to face in the last year.  I’ll go out on a limb here and bet that you have more online friends than you do face to face friends.  I've discovered that we have created a society where we are all independently trying to solve the problems of the world from our little perch.  Most have good intentions, but when the problem doesn’t go away it creates a world of very lonely people asking "why" and even worse, blaming God, because there is no one else to blame.

I have seen recent studies that state most Americans (nearly 90%) claim that there is a God in control of life. Yet, less than 40% would attest to a belief that Jesus Christ is the one and only way to God. The majority of people have an emptiness inside as they continue to seek the ultimate life that allows them to keep their lifestyle, however broken and sinful it is, and still have God on the side to ensure they have heaven at the end at their life. It's as if there is a checklist that "completes" life, and on this list are things like: graduate, play the guitar, get a job, get married, save money, have kids, believe in God - get ticket for heaven, retire early, travel and grow old with the grand kids. A casual observation of God's almighty(ness) is living an unfulfilled life. Salvation is not an item on a checklist, it's an acceptance that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was resurrected and sits by the Father's right hand. And, that the Holy Spirit now dwells within you and will continue what God started on that cross.

We are held accountable to spread the love and grace of Jesus Christ, by the Father.  We are brothers and sisters in Christ, and much like you bear the responsibility of helping your own children, parents, siblings and spouses, you hold the responsibility for helping the body of Christ. As we learn in the book of Hebrews, though, it is through love and encouragement, and not through judgment and condemnation. Seek those opportunities where you know your Christian brother(sister) needs a gentle reminder of what Christ did for us. Then help steer them back to His path of righteousness. Be willing to be used.




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