In a couple of recent sermons I've addressed the idea of being a taker versus being a giver. Takers, in a church context, are there for themselves. They would not be that direct about it themselves, but takers are the first ones to complain when they don't like something or are not getting what they think they should from their experience.
Givers, on the other hand, understand the principle that we are to love and care for one another. If the church is a family, then we must treat one another as the brothers and sisters they are. If the church is the body of Christ, then we must follow the lead and example of Christ, our head.
There are dozens of "one another" passages in the New Testament that teach us how to live with each other. Here are a few:
From this small sampling of passages, it is clear that we are obligated to each other. We must be givers. We must be focused on the needs of others, honoring them and regarding them as better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3).
If we do not want to live this way, I think we must ask why. Is it because we are learning this way, learning how to move out of selfishness into service? Or is it because we would rather be a taker, taking from others who are willing to give?
Scripture commends us to be givers. Jesus said that he came among us as one who served (Luke 22:27). As we follow him, we become givers. We become less, as we help others become more.
Givers, on the other hand, understand the principle that we are to love and care for one another. If the church is a family, then we must treat one another as the brothers and sisters they are. If the church is the body of Christ, then we must follow the lead and example of Christ, our head.
There are dozens of "one another" passages in the New Testament that teach us how to live with each other. Here are a few:
- "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." (Romans 12:10)
- "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13)
- "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works." (Hebrews 10:24)
From this small sampling of passages, it is clear that we are obligated to each other. We must be givers. We must be focused on the needs of others, honoring them and regarding them as better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3).
If we do not want to live this way, I think we must ask why. Is it because we are learning this way, learning how to move out of selfishness into service? Or is it because we would rather be a taker, taking from others who are willing to give?
Scripture commends us to be givers. Jesus said that he came among us as one who served (Luke 22:27). As we follow him, we become givers. We become less, as we help others become more.
