The Examined Life V

The fifth circle is the church. The next place where I serve, love, minister and care is my local church.

In the 6th chapter in Paul's letter to the Galatians, he encouraged them: And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (v. 9-10)

We are called to receive - to receive the gift of salvation, receive teaching, training, discipleship. Then we are called to turn around and apply that and serve others as we have been served, with our gifts, with our time with our resources.

The Sea of Galilee is a healthy body of water. It is fed with fresh water by the Upper Jordan River and by rain run-off from the surrounding countryside. At the southern point of the Sea of Galilee is the Lower Jordan. It continues south along the eastern side of Israel. It is a center for fishing for Israel, Lebanon and Syria.

Several hundred miles south of the Sea of Galilee is the Dead Sea. The Lower Jordan River empties into the Dead Sea, but at the southern end of the Dead sea, there is no other river to continue the process. The only way for water to escape is through evaporation. As a result, the Dead Sea, true to it's name has become so salty that it will not support any fish, only minuscule quantities of bacteria and microbial fungi.

We are created the same way. All in and no out is not a healthy formula. We get selfish and self centered if we are not regularly serving.

Thus we are called to serve other believers.