Better Together: Connecting With God And Each OtherSample

My Way Or The Highway

Often, we prefer to own things, to not allow others to help us even when we need their help. We get afraid they will ruin things or not do as well as we would. We know how to do things, we know what works best (or at least we think we do).

It is this mentality that causes us to close ourselves up to others and do things alone and isolated. We can even think of ourselves as better than others. This is especially resonant in ministry - we get caught up in the lie that things are better done our way and by us alone.

However, we see in Acts that God does not show favoritism, but accepts all who fear him and do what is right (Acts 10:34, 35). In this chapter, Peter discourages us from discounting others based on who they were, and encourages us to accept them for who they are - children of God.

How does this translate into our daily lives? It calls us out on not believing in the abilities of others. It challenges us to allow others to help us. We are called to empower others and to work together.

There are numerous Scripture passages that communicate that God trusts us with doing his work (Eph. 2:10, for example). We are called to not only do God's work, but share in it with others, working together for the Kingdom.

Reflections:

• Are there areas of your life or ministry where you are unnecessarily holding onto things because you want them done your way? How can you take steps to release control of those and empower others to participate alongside you?
• Do you show favoritism? Are there people you falsely entrust more with than others? How can you change your views to accept others and acknowledge their contributions?