2023 Lenten Season Week Five: Being a Brother 101 by: Steward Sydnei Bethea
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Being a Brother 101
“How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in
harmony.” Psalm 133:1 NLT
“I need you, you need me, we’re all a part of God’s body…” *sways and sings with Hezekiah and choir*
We’re taught general behaviors with siblings, cousins, and
classmates to ‘share, play nice, work together.’ As early as adolescence, we
struggle as contention arises when things do not go our way. Despite our
never-ending challenges, the principles of Christianity instill morals which
advise us as a brotherhood to love, forgive, unite, pray, and spread the Gospel
to others.
There is no greater example of brotherhood than Christ’s life: As no other brother would, He gave up divine privileges and humbled Himself. Christ literally yielded His life for us. Even after, He still responds to the destitute and intercedes when we do not know the words. Like a school project, seldom few volunteer to do all of the work, and typically, they do it for fear that others are not going to execute to their standards. Yet while on earth, Christ did all the heavy lifting so it is our turn to labor.
The Word says we should have attitudes like-minded to Christ. “1Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from His love? Any fellowship together in The Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose” Philippians 2:1-2 NLT He even provides Instructions for Worship in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 NLT, “1I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf and give thanks for them. 2Pray this way for all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” There you have it: be compassionate, agree, love, work together, and pray for your brother to live a peaceful life in dignity. Easy enough, right?
As Christians, we know that He knows best and would not lead us astray. [Jeremiah 17:7 NLT ] Reality is, unity is more difficult than dissension, but there is provision for His purpose. Ephesians 4:4 NLT tells us “for there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.” Before you refresh in eternity, there is an assignment in your life where you’ll need your brothers’ help (and they will need you, too.)
Whatever you’re thinking, you cannot do it alone. You cannot face that trial, that spiritual warfare, that advancement, that *inserts your season* alone. Do not try to do all of the work alone. Lean on Jesus. Lean on your family…church and extended. [1 Corinthians 10:12-13 NLT ] Pray for someone who is dealing with difficulty. Ask for help to make the next decision. “So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers.” Proverbs 24:6 NLT Proverbs emphasizes how success depends on advisers so it must be valuable. [Proverbs 15:22 NLT] We need one another and we have enough of worldly opposition preying. Encourage one another, mentor your brother, empathize experiences, and give grace to each other. “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” Proverbs 27:17 NLT Dwell in unity and live a life that is an example of Christ’s brotherhood.
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