I recently took part in the FCAP International Conference held in Frankfurt, Germany. There were participants from 9 different countries of the world. Our backgrounds were different, we came from different cultures, we had different native languages, we were different ages, and we did not necessarily do the exact same job within the airline/aviation industry. However, what was noteworthy was the connection that arose among us as if by itself … we are all the members of the same family in Christ. I was most encouraged and edified, not only through the time we spent together but also through the individual gifts given by God which were used for a common edification. Our commonality is not related to who we are and where we are from.
We Are Given What We Need
I would like to concentrate for a moment on what God has done for us and how He also gives us what we need. First the most important, that He has given eternal life to us in His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, as He came to reconcile our sins on the cross and make the works of the devil empty. “…The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8 ESV
He, the Christ, also promised to give us power for this life we are living. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 ESV
For everyday life we need nourishment, and that also has been taken into account as Jesus compared Himself to bread. ”I am the Bread of Life; whoever comes to Me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in Me shall never thirst.” John 6:35 ESV When I am nourished by God’s Word, I get to be filled with promises that are made to last.
Getting enough nourishment for ourselves is vital, but how much more we will be nourished if we share the blessings we receive with others. “…If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink, whoever believes in Me as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of His heart will flow rivers of living water.’” John 7:37-38 ESV This is exactly what I noticed when I met my brothers and sisters in Christ. They used their gifts for God’s glory, not only to praise the Father but also to build and nourish the church.
How many of us, when we become well-fed by God’s Word, wish we had so much that we could pack a full ”backpack” to carry with us and occasionally taste those delicacies in the middle of everyday life? At least me! Recently, however, I noticed something while reading about the people of Israel and their journey through the wilderness. God took care of His people, and they became nourished by the manna sent by God. At some point, some began to collect manna for other days, contrary to God’s instructions. God gave his people fresh food needed for everyday life; therefore, the stored food spoiled. After all, God taught his people to trust Him, and through that they would also learn to know Him.
We need to live close to God ourselves, daily growing in His word and knowing Him. Then we also can be the ones who share and encourage each other. “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 ESV
Sharing With Others
At the conference it came out that everyone brought out something of his good treasure and were encouraged and built up in the ordinary conversations. That is the reason I encourage you to use your gifts you have been given not only for your joy and edification, but also for the blessing of the people around you. It can be a song or the lyrics that come to mind from it, a prayer for another, or just being present while listening quietly the other. Then you also give something to the other person, your time. “So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.” 1 Timothy 5:25 ESV
