Help Others

We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.” Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
Romans 15:2‭-‬4 NLT

It is easier for me to fall out of consistent application of good and healthy and Godly practices when I think that it is just affecting me. But there is something about engaging and involving and helping others that reminds me of the importance and helps me get things back on track when course correction is necessary.

If I need to start exercising regularly, it is easier when I have an exercise buddy for encouragement and for accountability. When I need to change my eating habits to something more healthy and less indulgent, it helps to have others whose food choices at mealtime are an enchantment and not a temptation. When I need to be more responsible and purposeful with my finances and not wasteful or irresponsible, having people around me with the same mindset is a treasure and not a distraction. And when I need to be closer to God and more faithful in my pursuit of Him, being surrounded by a others who are seeking Him is very helpful.

When I isolate, it is easier for me to make excuses for NOT doing what I know I should because I might think that it is only negatively impacting me, because it is just this once, or a million excuses that pivot on self.

Christ didn’t live to please himself, but to serve others.

We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.

I’m not saying that we should be busy bodies and gossips — but that we need community.

Lord, you know that I have been weak in the area of being a good and faithful friend and community member. And Lord, I fear that this isolation has hurt my growth, my purpose, my impact, and the abundance in my life. Help me to look outward more at how I can better help and serve others. Help me to establish consistent healthy and Godly habits in all areas of my life and to share in my life with the group of wonderful people that you have brought into my community. Not for my honor but for yours, and in spite of my weakness but by your strength. Amen.