Fly together
9 Mar 2010 | Kay Cathcart | Posted in FlyNo Comments
None of us when we fly, flies alone. Every plane has a pilot and a crew. The flight crew (apart from having fabulous uniforms!) have a shared purpose, are dependent on one another and know why & where they’re flying. The air crew metaphor only goes so far however. We’re not recruited by God for a job or task and there’s no selection process where only the beautiful may apply – we are his children, involved in a holy adventure together – we fly together!
In the face of spiritual attack we put on the armour of God, but as Karl pointed out previously, there is no armour for the back. We need others to protect our backs as we stand together. As Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 12: 12-31, we’re the body of Christ.
Jim Graham also spoke about this passage back in October saying:
“Are our limbs distorted so we can’t function? Are we limited by what we’re prepared to receive of the love of Jesus?”
He described love as the synovial fluid which means the body works, and in the same way we’re called to be a community of people amongst whom the love of God flows so we act as one and fly together.
- Is this the reality at MBC?
- What stops this happening amongst us?
It’s often very tempting to spend all our time with people just like us – and all too easily become disconnected to other parts of the body. Unless we’re careful, these differences (backgrounds, preferences, interests) can become divisions and instead of asking the Holy Spirit to bring unity, we focus on the things which make us different… preventing us from flying together. God treasures the diversity of the body but the question is do we?
Another danger we can fall into is by not using the gifts God has given us to build up the church – opting instead to be a spectator. Perhaps we undervalue the gift we’ve been given? or maybe we think Father God hasn’t gifted us? but in operating this way we’re operating out of an orphan spirit which, you’ve guessed it, makes it hard for us to fly.
Maybe we don’t seek or offer the kind of friendship where we might experience flying together. Do we take the initiative to pray with our friends and family who love Jesus? Do people feel spiritually refreshed after spending time with us? Do we help one another to fly together?
The grace of God which flows freely into my life because of Jesus, enables me to stand forgiven and allows me to forgive others. I need not fear the opinions of others because my Father God loves me – so i’m free to be honest before them and risk their disapproval. I can take the initiative to deepen my friendships as Christ took a risk with me.
If you have time, consider these questions:
- What stops you playing as full a part in the body of Christ as you could?
- Are these legitimate reasons or is fear or other unhelpful attitudes creeping in?
- What steps can you take to build deeper relationships with those around you?
Wouldn’t it be great to fly together? No more solo flying!
- Kay