Little Steps is a nursery school that came to the community library on an excursion while I was there.
I usually love the little ones, but the last thing I wanted to hear was
“Ring a Ring a Rosie” is being sung in the library.
After going out into the sun for a few minutes, I felt a little better and
less anxious about their presence.
When they filed out to leave and enter their transport, I stepped out to
answer a call.
As I watched them line up to enter the vehicle, looking at their little
steps, I watched their teacher wait patiently for each of them to get in.
I realised that God watches over us just like that teacher, caring, guiding
and sometimes firm with clear expectations.
Just like the Holy Spirit is rightfully called the ‘Teacher’ who guides us
into all truth. No matter how little their steps were, the teacher waited;
asking those who had gone in first to ‘shift’, ‘scoot’ or ‘move over’ to the
side.
The Holy Spirit does the same to us today, waiting for us and moving at our pace; and telling those who are ‘in’ to ‘scoot over’, make room for forgiveness, empathy, and influence those who look up to us or are not there yet.
Imagine if we held up the hands of one another in the queue of life, like
little kids do when in motion in nursery school; how much more grounded, united, and mature believers in churches would be.
I cannot say what systems or modes would be used to execute this, but
we must learn to connect, encourage and carry one another.
What if we took seriously the scriptures that say things like: “Bear one
another’s burdens”, “Esteem each other above yourselves”, “If anyone
is taken in sin, you who are matured should restore him”…
I do not claim to be perfect or have an excellent framework for
discipleship, follow-up or counselling for churches, but this remains an
unexpressed burden in my heart without the necessary wisdom or
system to execute it.
What we can focus on is reaching out to those we know are
discouraged, becoming more patient with those who are hurting, and
taking time to intentionally disciple and teach the immature, not
expecting people to know everything we know when they have not had
the same walk of faith and experiences as we have.
We must also remember that there is a shepherd, and we are not called
to accuse or judge his sheep, but to feed them in the case of some, or
to be fed in the case of many.
May we walk with the true shepherd, be United and in harmony with him
by serving and loving his body, the church, like our own family and have
his heart. Cheers!
