KOINONIA: The fellowship of believers!

A salesman drove his car into a ditch; nearby was a farm where he asked the owner if he had a tractor to get his car back on the road.
“Nope, but I got my mule, Blue.” Replied the farmer.
“I doubt a mule is strong enough to pull it out.”
“You don't know Blue!” The mule's proud owner responded. So Blue was hitched to the vehicle.
“Pull, Blue!” The car didn't move. So the farmer called out, “Pull, Elmer!” It moved a little. The farmer yelled, “Pull, Biscuit,” and the car was free.
“Thank you so much,” said the truck owner. “But I’ve a question. You called your mule by three different names. Why?”
“Simple,” said the farmer. “Blue’s blind. If he thought he was the only one pulling, your car would still be in that ditch tomorrow!”

Christianity, Illustrations,
Fellowship, Religion

FELLOWSHIP - No Lone Rangers!

SET APART TOO FAR! [1 John 1:6-7; Sanctification, Trials, Unity]

Some time ago, Harry Pidgeon sailed around the world … in a 14 foot sloop … ALONE! After the trip a reporter asked Pidgeon, “What is the most dangerous thing for a lone sailor on the open sea?”

He told the pundit:

“It’s not the storms or other vessels which endanger the solo sailor, but the clear, calm weather accompanied by a gentle breeze. The sailor loses focus and becomes careless under such conditions.”

So too the Christian. It’s the calm of the Christian walk which poses the greatest danger to the lone believer, causing a loss of focus on things above and careless living.

Perhaps that’s why the Lord’s brother, James, admonished us to “consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” [James 1:2, 3]

And perhaps that’s why the writer of Hebrews tells us to “consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together … encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near.” [10:25, 26] There is little room in the Body of Christ for fear ridden Lone Rangers … members who go it alone.

Yet in the midst of our foolish pride all believers have His promise, “lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." [Matthew 28:20] We are never truly alone!