I'm a people watcher. I find those God chose to make in His own image genuinely interesting and delightful. People are an excellent way to appreciate the diversity of the God-head and the infinite measure of His creativity.
In the olden days colleges trained teachers to observe their students and build socio-grams. These were drawings that looked a bit like a spider web. The name of each child in the group was listed with lines added to show the connections between them. I learned way back then that such observations can foster understanding. The process has continued over the years and I've come to a conclusion.
It only takes one.
It only takes one listening ear to encourage a gossip.
Gossip is an insidious snare. Holding an audience's attention with private tales can be tantalizing. The sad reality is that it doesn't take a large number of receivers. Once a willing listener has been discovered both parties become complicit in the sinful act.
It only takes one hesitant mouth to support sinful behavior.
She knew adultery was sin. That was not a question. It was just that she understood how unhappy her friend was and she didn't want to sound like a traitor. So when she heard the fateful words about a secret rendez-vous she didn't say a word.
It only takes one forgotten promise to leave a need unmet.
The problem was shared on several occasions. A brother spoke up and volunteered to go by and make the repair. He really intended to offer the blessing. However, after months of waiting the door is still broken and winter is making its chilly entry.
I could go on, but I trust you get the idea. As I pondered the significance of the number one (1), Scripture came to mind.
Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned Romans 5:12
But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many. Romans 5:15
For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17
Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. Romans 5:18
For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. Romans 5:19
It only takes one ...
O Abba Father, please keep me from being the one that wanders away from You.
Teach me to turn from sin that I might not be a hindrance.
1 Corinthians 10:32
Allow me to speak your truth with love in all circumstances.
Ephesians 4:15
Train me to be a woman of The Word and my word.
Colossians 3:16; James 5:12
Dear Adonai, please cause me to be the one You use for your purpose and glory. Amen
3 comments:
It only takes ONE - you - to encourage me.
I want to be one who is looking to the only ONE, Jesus!
Powerful post.
I was so encouraged by your July 6th post that I read on without commenting. (Sorry!) This ONE grabbed me, though. I've been praying about leading a retreat with the theme of ONE, but I hadn't looked at this angle. I was camping out on Ps: 27. ONE thing I ask, and I will seek: To see Your beauty. And (Phil 3) Paul's ONE thing he does, forgetting the past and pressing on toward the mark of the High Calling of God. And ONE mediator between God and man- the man Christ Jesus (I Tim 2:5) and John 10: Jesus and the Father are ONE. And Mary and Martha. Mary chose the [ONE] good part.
Hm. Methinks some collaboration might be in order. Can I use your wisdom if I quote you?
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