Seek the Good of Others
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Key Verse: “How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.” Selected Scripture: |
WHEN CONSIDERING THE words of our Key Verse, our attention is drawn to the importance of meeting with others “unto edifying,” for the purpose of mutually helping and encouraging the body of Christ. This is further brought to our attention in these words: “Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Heb. 10:24,25) The words of verse 24 from Wilson’s Emphatic Diaglott are rendered as follows: “We should bear each other in mind, for an incitement of love and good works.”
The apostle’s thought is that the desire to encourage each other in the direction of “love and good works” should be the object of Christian fellowship, and the purpose for which the followers of the Master bring themselves together. Indeed, we cannot encourage one another unless we are associated together. In another place we are told, “Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” (Ps. 50:5) Although the ultimate “gathering together” of the saints will be beyond the veil, even now we have the privilege of fellowship with those of “like precious faith.”—II Pet. 1:1
We all need the help and encouragement that comes from fellowship “unto edifying.” In Ephesians 4:4-6, Paul reminds us of the spirit of oneness which should motivate our fellowship together. He first says, “There is one body”—Christ, the head, and we, his body members. There is “one Spirit”—the Holy Spirit, which guides us. There is “one hope of your calling”—the hope of being faithful even unto death. There is “one Lord”—our savior Christ Jesus. There is “one faith”—faith in the ransom merit of Jesus. There is “one baptism”—a baptism, or immersion, into Christ. Finally, there is “one God and Father of all”—our loving Heavenly Father, who is “above all.”
In the verses quoted earlier from Hebrews 10:24,25, the Apostle Paul makes another important statement. He tells us that our assembling and fellowship with one another, for the purpose of provoking unto love and good works, is increasingly essential as we “see the day approaching.” This “day” may be a time to come in which the Lord’s people, because of conditions in the earth, will not have the opportunity to assemble together. It also may be the “day” for each of us individually when we may not, due to health or other circumstances, be able to meet together with one another. Regardless of what the “day approaching” might be, let us now be actively engaged in working together “unto edifying,” remembering the wisdom of these words: “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.”—Eccles. 9:10
Jesus set a perfect example for us with regard to our lesson. Always in his fellowship with the disciples he sought to provoke them in a positive manner toward love and good works toward one another and for God. May we also be thus motivated.