Encouraging Wasp Killing

This holiday season has been an eventful time.  I spent a bit at my parents house. It was a blessing to relax with family.  While I was there I got to visit with a lady that has been coming to clean my parents house for years. And I just found out that we got connected to her through my mom’s old work.  My mom was her boss for a long time and that's how they became friends and ultimately ended up doing some cleaning at our house.  I think that's what holidays are about, reminiscing about the old and learning things new.  

While we were in the kitchen talking a wasp came in.  This lady was not having that insect in the house.  She couldn’t find a fly swat so she killed it with this thin little stick she found.  It was some pinpoint accuracy.  I ain’t gonna lie, I was scared.  Wasps ain’t nothing to play with.  I don’t want to get stung!  I was glad she killed it.  

Later that day another wasp came into the kitchen.  Now this time, I’m wondering “Where these wasps be coming from??!! It’s like they trying to take over my folks house!”  But as it flew in I thought “I’m gonna kill this sucker! If that lady can do it, so can I!” So I got a magazine that was next to the table (I wasn’t about to use no small little stick like she did!) and went to assassinate the insect. I mustered up all the courage I had and killed the beast.  I slayed the dragon.  Then I picked it up, careful not to touch the stinger, and threw it in the trash.  I had won.  That day I had defeated my fear.

Don’t we get encouraged by seeing others achieve?  This is the beauty of community.  I think I would have probably never tried to kill that wasp if I had not seen the lady do it a few hours before. I gained courage, boldness, and strength from her actions.  I think this is the way it is in the family of God.  As a church we strengthen each other to do better and be better.  That is the purpose of our community, to move each other closer to the image of God.  And it ain’t easy.  Not easy to be like Christ and not easy to help others to move closer to being like Christ.  

Now I’m not saying not to say something when words need to be said about behavior or character, but what I am saying specifically are two things.  First be that example.  Walk with integrity.  Live with the joy of the Lord.  Let the glory of God’s goodness shine in your life everyday.  When we do this others see it and it may rub off on them.  When we lift our hands in the freedom of worshiping our God, maybe that will give courage and boldness to our neighbor to do the same while they worship.  Maybe when we speak as a witness to others about the sacrifice of our Savior, that will encourage the one who sees to be bold in sharing his/her faith.   

Second, be encouraged by the witness of those around you.  Let their example make you bold.  Just as I was able to achieve something previously I didn't think I would have done, I did it from the strength of others.  Be strong and let the strength of others stir you to do things you might not have been able to do! 

…not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:25

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11