People is People
GCD Newsletter - Monday, March 17th, 2023
It’s what I jokingly say when someone shares a story of people acting like, well, people. While the grammar is incorrect, most of us can relate to the sentiment. As we interact in society, we often see, feel, and hear about the messiness that typically comes with living in community with other human beings.
My introverted tendencies—mixed with selfishness and a touch of self-righteousness—often cause me to mock and/or retreat from the effects of people’s messiness. If I “do my own thing” I’ll avoid the foolishness of others and find some peace, or so I believe.
But, such is not the way of Christ. Thankfully, he didn’t leave us in our foolishness. He didn’t retreat into the blissfulness of heaven and abandon us to ourselves. Instead, he put on flesh and entered in. Now, he calls his disciples to go and do likewise.
Last week’s articles remind us of our need to enter the fray. Ministering to the broken, the hurting, and the sinful can be difficult and it can create frustrating or awkward moments. But the effects of isolating ourselves bring harm to both others and ourselves. By God’s grace, let us take the love of Christ to every area God provides for us, no matter how difficult.
In Christ,
James Williams serves as associate pastor at FBC Atlanta, TX. James and his wife, Jenny, are blessed with four children and are actively involved in foster care. He is passionate about beholding the beauty of our Lord and helping others do the same. He enjoys writing, running, and gardening. You can follow James on Twitter or his blog where he writes regularly.
Last Week at GCDiscipleship.com
How To Look At The Hurting by Myra Dempsey
“Jesus is the solution to life’s problems because he is the only one who can heal our heart—the wellspring from which everything else flows.”
Satan Wants to Isolate You by James Williams
“Then, once isolated and separated from the community God has provided, the lion has ample opportunity to attack an easy target that no longer has support from others and cannot, on its own, put up a real fight.”
The Three Postures of Personal Renewal for Ministry Leaders by Dave Harvey
“Renewal doesn’t begin with a church or network; it begins with bold strokes of leadership that push the group from ingrown to outward. If you’re a leader, you must believe that renewal is first about you. It begins with three personal postures: looking back, looking up, looking out. Let’s unpack each one.”