Brother’s Keeper

Are we our brother’s keeper, or a stumbling block, an instrument for their demise? Are we a light to show the way or an excuse for wrongdoing? Are our lives salt and light or a shadow for sin to hide in? Do we offer a hand up, or a step down?

Are we willing to become all things to all men so some may be won? Is one of those things we’re willing to become, righteous? (By God’s grace and the work of the Holy Spirit’s working in us as we yield to Him.) Are we willing to hold ourselves to a higher standard for the sake of others— for the lost, or for our weaker brother?

All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all edify. 1 Corinthians 10:23 NASB

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brother’s and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13 NLT

But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.  Corinthians 8:9 (NKJV)

“Your compromise may become your children’s standard,” the preacher said.

If you don’t show your kids that you love your wife, you are telling them that you don’t. Every boy needs to know how to love a woman & your son is watching you to see how it’s done. The man your daughter will marry is greatly influenced by the one she sees in you. #TheFatherEffectBook    http://www.thefathereffect.com    @johnpfinch    #TheFatherEffect 

“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. Mark 9:42 (NKJV)

Your kids are following you. It’s your choice where you lead them. -John Finch @johnpfinch    #TheFatherEffect    http://www.thefathereffect.com

We will each be held accountable for our actions, response to the Gospel, and our obedience to God. We’re also responsible for the influence we have on others. Let it be for good.

Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please himself. Romans 15:1 NASB

“Lord, I fall so short! Change me, Jesus. Help me to live in Your Light; to be the light. Amen.”

Lifesong, Casting Crowns:

Rachael_M_Colby_Tattoo_It_On_Your_Heart_Consecrate

Let Them See You, JJ Weeks Band:

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (KJV)

© 2017  Rachael M Colby     Tattoo It On Your Heart

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Author: Rachael M. Colby

Rachel M. Colby has a heart for reconciliation and a passion to uplift those who serve in tough places. She writes to connect culture's questions with Christianity’s answers, inspire faith, and motivate. She is an award-winning writer in the categories of articles, poetry, devotions, essays, flash fiction, and children’s picture books. Her article The Integration of Oak Ridge (the subject of her WIP) won the 2022 Selah Award for Articles in Print at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She is a longtime member of The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild and a protégé in the Cecil Murphey Mentoring program. Rachael's work has appeared on the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Blog, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Christian Devotions, Southern Ohio Christian Voice, Inkspirations Online, in the compilation books Creative Writing Journal: Faith Inspired Writing Prompts & Hope-Filled Poetry, Defining Moments: Memorable and Inspiring Stories from Outstanding Leaders, and The Courage to Write: 62 Devotions to Encourage Your Writing Journey, and in the Oak Ridger newspaper. This Jamaican-born wife, mom, beach bum, artist, and work in progress makes her home in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. She runs on copious amounts of coffee, chocolate, and a whole lot of “Help me, Jesus.”

10 thoughts on “Brother’s Keeper”

  4. Very insightful and inspiring read sister! We must be a people who carry the Light of Jesus Christ everywhere we go. To help give light to others who may be lost in darkness or to those who are filled with His Light as well, but feel as though their light is dim. We are called to encourage one another and to extend the love of Christ to everyone even to those who don’t always deserve it. Thank you sister and may God richly bless you!

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    1. Amen,
      We are undeserving but:
      God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NKJV)

      So let us by the grace of God, do as scripture admonishes us:
      Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4 (NKJV)

      Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:24 (NLT)

      Thank you for your encouragement, brother. God bless. 🙂

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