Jump Start # 725

Colossians 2:2 that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself,

One of the blessings of being a Christian is the fond friendships one makes with other Christians. Because of Jesus Christians are connected and part of a massive spiritual family worldwide. Each of us has a story. Each of us have obeyed the Lord. Each of us are engaged in the greatest work of all time, the kingdom of God. What a blessing that is.

Paul identified the connection brethren by saying “their hearts are knit together.” Their hearts were connected. They were joined together. We call this relationship “fellowship.” Fellowship is not about eating a meal but the sharing and exchanging we have with other Christians.  The same word for fellowship is also translated “partnership.” The word is also translated “harmony.” We understand those words. Partners in business work together. Singing harmony means singing with someone. There is no solo in harmony. These words are about doing things with others. Partners…harmony…fellowship…knit together—Paul is on to something big. Our connection with other Christians is unlike anything else, except family, which is another term God uses to define our relationship with each other.

Paul’s point is that we are connected. It’s like running in a three-legged race. You and your partner put a leg in the same sack or have your legs tied together. The race begins. To keep from falling in a three-legged race, each partner has to be in step with the other partner. It takes unison to get any distance. Now the same happens in the church. We must step together. Paul told the church in Thessalonica to discipline the brother who walked contrary. That word means “out of step.” He wasn’t doing what the rest were doing. You see that in the first few days of marching band practice. The band steps forward with the right foot, but one kid starts with his left foot. He’s out of step. He’s out of sync. He’s walking contrary to everyone else. He’s not in harmony, unison,  fellowship with the rest. Fellowship is about togetherness not independence. Fellowship is about being knit together. We need this. We need one another. The journey to Heaven can see long and lonely at time. Temptation can knock often on the door of our heart. With others, we are encouraged. With others, we stop and pick each other up when we fall. With others, the work doesn’t seem so over whelming.

This all leads us to an important thought:

What we do affects everyone else. We are connected. We are family. If they are turning right and I’m turning left, something bad will soon happen. What we do affects the church. The immoral Christian in 1 Corinthians 5 was having sexual relations with a family member. I doubt that it was taking place during worship. It was happening at home. That was affecting the church. Influence was questionable. Talk would follow. Their purpose seemed to be lost. What he did, even at home, affected the rest.

Hearts knit together reminds us that we need to be thinking of others. Hearts knit together reminds us that we are not alone in this work and journey that we are on. Hearts knit together teaches us that there are others who are counting on me and I am counting on them. We need each other. To pull us apart would be to rip and ruin what was knitted. Together we are strong. By ourselves, we may not make it.

To be knit together in love means that I have to stop being so selfish and become a team thinker and a team player. This is hard for many of us. We like our way. We think our way is the best. When others make suggestions, we want to shoot down that idea. Do it our way, is our thinking. We campaign for our idea. We convince others that our way is the best way. Sometimes it is. Often, it’s not. Knit together…remember? We need others…remember? We are not in this alone…remember?

Talking down about others in the church isn’t being knit together. Being negative about others isn’t being knit together. Together…all different colors, woven together to make a beautiful garment. Different talents…different backgrounds…different experiences…but through Jesus, blended together into an amazing and brilliant garment. It’s not the material that makes it so special. It’s the weaver who put it all together. Knit together—that’s what happens when we allow Christ to work with us.

And what the world sees, is a beautiful group of Christians who love, care and support one another! Knitted together…

Roger