“For just as in one [physical] body we have many parts, and these parts do not all have the same function or special use, so we, who are many, are [nevertheless just] one body in Christ, and individually [we are] parts one of another [mutually dependent on each other].” (Romans 12:4-5 Amp)
Those of you who know me would probably have me pegged as an extrovert, a people person, you are correct. But… I am also very much an introvert. This doesn’t mean I’m a shy person (which is probably why you have me pegged as an extrovert!), but simply that I get energized during my alone time. In fact, spending too much time around a lot of people for any length of time actually drains my energy. Not that I don’t enjoy my time in the moment, but simply that I need recharging after these social times. I have been known to say “a good weekend is when my car never leaves the garage!” Couple this personality type with me being a single woman, and my alone time could very easily lend itself to isolation; and if I’m not conscious of this, it could even feed into moments of feeling blue and depressed. And these moments are a great feeding ground for me to throw a big ol’ pity party for myself. And who doesn’t love a good pity party every once in awhile! (sarcasm here!)
While there is nothing wrong with alone time, especially if that alone time is really not spent alone, but with Jesus, community and connection with others is just as important. I know, for myself, I need to be conscious of not falling out of balance in my emotional health in this arena, maybe you do too? Let’s pick back up where we left off in Romans 12, and take a look at what the Bible says about community and connection.
We Are One Part of Many
“For just as in one [physical] body we have many parts, and these parts do not all have the same function or special use,” (Romans 12:4)
We each have our own unique function and purpose for being here on this earth.I need to remind myself more often, that others need me, even if I don’t know it. Or even if I am not told so by others. I have a tendency to weigh whether I will be lifted up or brought down when trying to decide whether to participate in an event or gathering. I think it’s all about me! When in reality, through God’s eyes, it’s not about me much at all, it’s about bringing my gifts, talents and skills – and yes, even my own unique personality – to the table. I quoted RFK Jr. in my newsletter and blog a couple of weeks ago. He stated we all should: “Not get up and think what am I going to do to make myself happy today, but ask ourselves how am I going to make myself useful today?” I need to be more mindful of asking myself “how can I be a blessing to someone today?” I am just one part with a unique function, as are you. I also need to ask myself “who would not be able to function optimally in whatever it is God is calling them to be or do today if I don’t show up and fulfill my part?” This part, or purpose on any given day doesn’t have to be a life-shattering outward spiritual activity of Biblical proportions that someone else may need. Most times it is not. It simply might be an encouraging word or smile, that if it wasn’t for you or me, that person might not have ever heard what they desperately needed to hear. Maybe that encouraging word is the one that just re-directed the trajectory of their thoughts, leading to actions, from a place of destruction to a place of refreshment and purpose. This is just one small example of how each one of us can make a difference when we determine to take our eyes off of ourselves and spend our time in community and connection with others, just as Jesus did. I know I need to be more mindful of this, how about you?
We Are to be the Overflow
“…who are many, are [nevertheless just] one body in Christ, and individually [we are] parts one of another [mutually dependent on each other].” (Romans 12:5)
On the flipside of the understanding that others need us, we need to humble ourselves and admit that we need others as well. This is the core of the point of community and connection. God created us first for connection with Him, and then for community and connection with others – especially those who are part of the Body of Christ. If we are living a life in balance, we should be mutually dependent on each other. Not independent, not co-dependent (as in we feed off the idea that someone can’t function without me, and I can’t function without them) but inter-dependent equally with others. In fact, the only person we should be fully dependent on is Jesus. But He has placed each of us here to be His hands and feet to each other. We are to look to each other as the overflow of Who He is to be in our lives.
Here is an example of what I mean. My dad and I had quite a fiery relationship most of my adult life. We butted heads constantly. As I grew in my relationship with Jesus, I came to realize that he was not perfect and that I needed to stop expecting him to give me what he didn’t have – primarily an abundance of love. Of course he loved me, and I knew that, but he just didn’t have the concept of showing it very well, at least in the ways I thought I needed, emotionally. I remember thanking the Lord for giving me the dad He did, and for the good things that he offered me. And I thanked God for bridging the gap between what my dad couldn’t give me, and God making up the difference. It was in that moment that Papa God clearly brought clarity to my mind and told me “I Am the only One Who can give you what you need – I Am more than enough. What I have brought you through your dad, and many others you look to in your life to fulfill your emotional needs is simply the overflow of what and Who I Am to you. You are blessed abundantly by them as a result of My overflow.” It was in that moment that I realized no one could fulfill my needs – not my parents, not a husband, not friends, not even church family, and certainly not my own self — only Jesus could. And I needed to stop looking to others to do so. But… we are to be the overflow to each other. We need to realize that others need us and what we uniquely have to give, and that we need others – to be the overflow of Who Jesus already is – more than enough!
In Summary
How we spend our time is just one of the many diverse facets that contribute—whether adversely or for good — to the balance of our wholistic life and health. In fact, the aspect of “time,” and how we spend it, utilize and with whom, is quite diverse in and of itself. It’s a vital component of our health and our lives. Looking to see how Jesus spent His time is a great place to look to as the example of the best way to spend our time as well.
Did You Miss These Most Recent Blog Posts?
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