"And this is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard from the beginning, His comman is that you walk in love.
"Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work."
It's fairly obvious that someone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ -- growing in Him and remaining true to His Word -- that person will not do well. I wonder how much of a person's "walk" and growth depends on us -- fellow believers? I mean, it's most likely to be a person that "catches" a person that's steering away from the faith and "brings them back," is it not? God's Holy Spirit can speak to us, but when we're running away from God, sometimes He probably lets us go, allowing us to run into and trip over our folly. It is probably another example of how God has entrusted His body here on earth with some very important tasks. He left it with us to spread the Word -- the Gospel -- and reap a harvest for His kingdom. He limits His activity to act through the prayers of His people. This is pretty amazing when you think about it.
The letter of 3rd John makes mention of supporting the work of God through His people:
"Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth."
When we take this matter to heart, we truly do "partner with" others and God for His kingdom. What a mysterious plan, eh?
Well, it's 4 days from deadline. This is likely to be a loaded and hard working week. I hope that when I'm on an airplane headed to Nashville on Sunday that I do so with the satisfaction of knowing that this issue is finished and at the printer.
PS The latest on our friend (and Marketing/Advertising Director), John Thompson:
3.26.06 - 8:30am: John is still at Provena Mercy Hospital in Aurora. He has been moved from the ICU and is resting and regaining strength. If all goes well he might be released to go home on Monday. He was taken to the hospital on Thursday with severe internal bleeding. Please continue to pray for John and his family.