Brother's Keepers

I'm amazed at how often the New Testament tells us to look after the spiritual health of our brothers and sisters in Christ.  I am more amazed at how little we do it and how much we don't think we need to do it.

"Do not judge" seems to be the mantra of too many Christians.  A bad interpretation of three words out of context has kept the church from doing what it is called to do in many places throughout the New Testament.  We are our brothers/sisters keeper.

Notice what Hebrews says:

Hebrews 12:15–16 (ESV) See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; 16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal.

Remember Esau's response to God? "Am I my brother's keeper?"  The answer is a resounding yes!  

We have to get busy in the business of helping one another live lives of holiness and honor for God.

Perhaps the Hebrews were tired of doing such ministry.  Perhaps that is the reason for verse 12:

Hebrews 12:12–13 (ESV) Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees... 

In other words, don't get tired now!  It's hard work to watch out for one another but it is worth it.  Keeping one another on track is essential to the Kingdom of God.  

Sin spreads and affects the entire body.  He calls it a "root of bitterness" that defiles many.  When we don't proactively watch each other's piritual backs, we are allowing sin to take root in one and spread throughout the camp.  

Notice what we start with: "See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God"  That's our beginning point.  Are people grasping grace?  Or are they latched on to moralism?  Are people walking away from their past or stuck trying to make up for it?  If we don't lead them to grace, we could open them up to bitterness.  And we are all affected.

Let's be people who keep one another close to the grace of God, so we do not spread the disease of sin.

PRAYER:
Father, this is hard for us.  We Your church have done this very poorly.  We want to be so isolated today.  We want to be so independent   Help your church understand interdependance.  Help us to help each other deeper into grace and further away from sin.  Amen.