Being Part of the Group

As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Matthew 4:18-21 

This year I was encouraged to join a new group. I did so knowing that I would need to make a time commitment, I would have to meet new people, try new things, and go new places. I would have to feel comfortable in the group as well as support its beliefs and norms. I would have to trust the leader and follow his directions. I would have to take risks. After my first meeting with the group, I questioned if I really wanted to do this, but decided it was worth a try. Ultimately, I have liked the group, enjoyed the members, made new friends, and have challenged myself to participate and belong.  

Recently I have thought about the disciples and their group following Jesus. They were all invited to join. They had to be willing to trust their leader, Jesus. They had to think about new things, new beliefs, new norms. They had to get along with each other and share the work of the group. This was not a short-term commitment, but a long-term change, a challenge to their beliefs and lifestyles. They left their homes, families, work, and their comfort zones.  

Like other groups, I believe Christ's church presents us with many of these same things. We must be willing to make a time commitment, welcome others into the group, try new things and go new places. The group needs to be supportive to its members. We not only have to trust Christ to guide us, but also our pastors and leaders of the group to help us find the way. We have to get along, share the load, and be prepared to change. We need to be willing to challenge ourselves in different ways. We need to make a long-term commitment in our beliefs and our lifestyles.  

Prayer: Jesus, help us to trust you fully in your invitation to follow you. Help us to disregard our fear of change. Help us to treasure being part of your group of believers. Help us to make the lifetime commitment of not only being a believer but practicing our faith through our daily lives in your church as well in the world. Thank you for all the blessings you have given us. Amen. 

Nancy Hall