Protection

The Apostle Paul asked the Corinthians a hard and perplexing question. At first I thought it may have been triggered by his often perilous life circumstances. Then I realized it was more. He wrote, "Why are we in danger every hour?" Yes, he had battled animals, opponents, and the authorities. Danger was always real. In this instance, however, his question was protesting the Corinthian's caution, wanting them to be more aggressive in their work and expressions of faith. It was more of a pun than anything else. He wasn't afraid. He knew something.

Paul knew about spiritual protection. His was a multi-layered courage that equipped him to live boldly in hard times. He knew the promised presence of Christ in his ministry life, the sufficiency of God's grace for the challenges he faced every day, and the God given strength he would need for life in those rigorous times. But, he also knew the protection of other Christians and their partnership in the Gospel. So, his boldness was an admixture of totally relying on God in every circumstance, and then depending on God's people to stand along side of him when he was challenged or threatened by "the human element". His letters testify to the many instances other Christians helped him deal with difficulties. Euodia and Syntyche and Clement labored side by side with him (Philippians 4:2-3). The Philippian people shared his troubles (Philippians 4:14). A fellow prisoner Aristarchus, along with Mark, and Justus were a comfort to him (Colossians 4:10-11) and Epaphrus, one who struggled and worked with Him (Colossians 4:12-13). Paul knew the joys and confidence of Imw/U. That reads, I AM WITH YOU.

The protection we should extend to one another isn't always strong arms and backs, the clinched fist, or the concealed carry permit in our wallet. This kind of protection takes several significant forms---

1. Strengthening faith in God.

One of the most precious friendships in the Bible was young David and his

friend Jonathan, King Saul's son. When King Saul sought to kill David and

preserve his own throne, Jonathan went to David. The text indicates that he

"strengthened his hand in God". He pledged his friendship and swore that Saul

would not find him and that he, David, would be King of Israel. It was

protection by strengthening faith in God.

2. Warning about sinful and dangerous lifestyle issues.

Paul's letter to the Colossians includes instruction about their corporate life

and the word of protection one believer should bring to another. He wrote---

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one

another in all wisdom" (Colossians 3:16, ESV). Also note 1 Corinthians 4:14 in

this regard. Admonishment is a word of protection when offered in the right

spirit and the heart to keep someone special from dangerous behavior.

3. Encouragement to the fainthearted and help to the weak.

Once again, Paul's word was more than thoughtful advice. He had known

moments of intense threat and life danger. From experience he knew the lift of

an encouraging word and the hand of help. So, he wrote, "... encourage the

fainthearted, help the weak..." (1 Thessalonians 5:14, ESV). It's incredible what

a word of encouragement can do when we're threatened or fearful.

4. Physical presence.

Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived. His counsel touched every area of

human life, including the possible threat of being out-manned. So, he wrote

about the power of two, one of the great passages about our need for other

people. In that section are these words---"And though a man might prevail

against one who is alone, two will withstand him" (Ecclesiastes 4:12, ESV).

Sometimes just being there is enough protective armor for those facing hard

and difficult circumstances.

5. The giving of a human life.

Jesus said it to indicate the giving of his life for those he loved in intense

spiritual friendship---"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down

his life for his friends" (John 15:13, ESV). This is a love that is hard for people

afflicted with "the human element" to grasp. But, we do read about it, one

person sacrificing their lives to save another. It is a protection above anything

we can perceive, an expression of God's immense, unfathomable love for us.

But, it is a protection we may offer for others, our life, the ultimate gift and

expression of protection.

IMW/U seems somewhat hollow today. Saying I AM WITH YOU used to mean till death do us part, in sickness and in health, in richer or poorer times, through thick and thin, no matter what, hell and high water, and all the other axioms of standing strong with another. It is the protective measure of our military personnel, the servants in police and first responder careers, to law enforcement agencies, and those many others on the front lines of danger. But, it should be the strength we derive from our family connections, the fellow believers at church, those of common faith and belief.

It should be our common cause, the declaration IAMW/U, I AM WITH YOU, a protective guard against the horrors of "the human element" in times like these.

IAMW/U. Say it. Tell it to your family and close friends.

Mutuality

Each of the Synoptic Gospels recorded an incident in the earthly ministry of Jesus when the disciples argued about which of them would be the greatest in Christ's kingdom. It is, among many other examples, a biblical angle on "the human element" and how personal ego can put even members of a select unit at odds. Evidently the Twelve had not yet learned the joys and discipline of mutuality. Few of us have learned that "human element" discipline two thousand years later. Here are the verses from the Gospels---

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the

kingdom of heaven?”

Matthew 18:1, ESV

But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who

was the greatest.

Mark 9:34, ESV

An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest.

Luke 9:46, ESV

A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the

greatest.

Luke 22:24, ESV

Once again, mutuality among humans, especially those in the community of faith, is another significant Scriptural theme. Make note of several verses, what is a very small sampling, about how the Gospel levels the human playing field and places us in interdependent, mutual relationships---

So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the

Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 7:12, ESV and parallels

Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5:21, ESV

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and

female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:28, ESV

The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to

the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that

seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we

think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts

are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not

require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that

lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may

have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if

one member is honored, pall rejoice together.

1 Corinthians 12:21-25, ESV

My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the

Lord of glory.

James 2:1, ESV

We humans, however, have our systems of positioning. And, what is more, we love them. No, perhaps worship them. You know, seniority, longevity, rank, pecking order,

first/last, freshman/sophomore/junior/senior, organizational grids, executive suites, corner offices, perks, and all the other manifestations of illusory superiority that mark the species. While slotting and ranking and proficiency are valid elements of any organization with a mission, they are not a condescension of human worth. Value isn't a position on an organizational chart. In the economy of heaven, every person matters. Mutuality is the essential element.

Mutuality isn't a foreign ideal or lofty academic concept. Basically it is sharing between two or more parties, what we should have learned in kindergarten. It should be a visible human trait in the land of the free and home of the brave, especially in times like these. The uncertainties and dangers of Covid-19 still perplex us. Yet, here we are, individuals to the core, playing our political games, practicing one ups-man-ship in even the crafty skills of owning toilet paper. Questionable times should draw us together in mutual concern and effort. I love what the Apostle Paul wrote to the suffering believers in the persecuted church at Rome---

That we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith...

Romans 1:12, ESV

So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual up-building.

Romans 14: 19, ESV

It's the element of mutuality again, what I have labeled as Mu on the metaphoric periodic table. I've added the sub-note, OUR12. Read it like this: oh you are one two. It means that we all matter and need each other.

And, UR12.

Responsibility

One of the first instincts of "the human element" is the personal claim of what is perceived as "mine". At a very early age we learn how to possess and own things, even the ability to survey what is around us and establish boundaries around what we see as our space. Of course, as we age and our system of value grows, what we possess and what we leave to others changes too. But, throughout, one of my basic principles is to resist being owned or possessed. And, it's a delicate thing, being in a relationship without being owned.

That's a collision point for most us ruled by "the human element" . The relationship I have with you is important, perhaps very precious, even significant. But, we'll both resist living in a controlled environment, that is, allowing another person supervision over me and my feelings. That's been a big deal in the Covid-19 pandemic. We're all trying to own everybody else with our opinions and thoughts. Unless we're dealing with some kind of personality disorder, however, our personal autonomy is sacred, especially when talking about interacting with other people. As a result, there's usually no one in charge of our relationships. You are you and I am me, what I do is about me, and what you do is about you. Don't lay the burden of our relationship on me. It's a 50/50 deal. And, that's one of the reasons our most intimate and blessed relationships can dissolve in tension. Few of us will actually claim responsibility for it.

By responsibility I'm not talking ownership. The groundwork for that kind of possession has already been laid I do hope. I'm talking about the initiative and self-denial that cares enough about the relationship to enable laying all personal emotions and resolve and pride aside for the sake of the other person and the relationship. In a practical sense it means taking responsibility for the relationship in any and every circumstance, even when you've been wronged or offended. At the core it's the application of a simple Bible concept: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3, ESV).

And, that's the deal about responsibility as a relational ingredient. It is the willingness to take the lead in the relationship in order to preserve it and the person you already cherish as a valued part of your life. This responsibility involves several biblical ideals---

1. The realization that time is important in relational metrics.

The Apostle Paul wrote a great deal about dealing with anger. He understood

the volatility of "the human element" and the egocentric emotional explosions

of dealing with other people. Even more, he knew the multiplier effect of

brooding and sulking after an angry interchange. So, he counseled, "Be angry

and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger" (Ephesians 4:26,

ESV). So, when you experience tension in a relationship, make every effort to

settle it quickly.

2. The wisdom to know every issue isn't worth confronting.

Thank Solomon for great counsel in this regard. He wrote it plainly and

simply---"Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an

offense" (Proverbs 19:11, ESV). Tensions should be weighed before any

corrective action is initiated. The right thing to do may be to fughedaboudit.

3. Be gracious in your actions and words.

Jesus knew the downside of "the human element" too, and he warned against

it. There's always the tendency to see the speck in another persons eye and

ignore the plank in our own (see Matthew 7:3). This same grace should

superintend our language when time comes to talk about the tension. Paul

wrote this---"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that

you may know how you ought to answer each person" (Colossians 4:6, ESV).

Pause here for a moment. This grace should help us see the details of our relational tension in another light too. So, here's how I suggest you handle a discussion about some trouble in a relationship:

You: Hey, can we talk for a moment. I've been feeling some tension between

us and feel that I may have offended or hurt you in some way. If you'll tell me

what it is I'll make it right with you this minute and that tension can be

relieved.

95% of the time this approach would lead to conversation, confession, forgiveness, easing of the tension, and restoration of the relationship.

4. Demonstrate concern and not confrontation.

Matthew 18:15-17 is generally referenced as a means of confronting someone

who has sinned against you. In reality, it is a means of restoring a sinful brother

or sister. So, concern should be the environment. No one responds well to a

judgmental harangue.

5. My attitude should be for the sake of Christ.

Once again the Apostle Paul provided personal testimony about his attitude

when he was mistreated or when tension defined the moment. He wrote, "For

the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships,

persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong"

(2 Corinthians 12:10, ESV). Having the mind and attitude of Christ is a game

changer in the relational world.

It sounds so complicated yet is so simple. This kind of responsibility should be learned as the first steps of our Christian faith. Jesus said it. There are no asterisks or brackets to explain the mystery of it. "if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23, ESV).

Oh no. The self-denial thing again. It is responsibility for our relationships. It is the declaration that IM4US. That is, I AM FOR US.

For the sake of Christ and the relationship, I am responsible.