this short little acrostic occurred to me as I pondered the word Nurture.
naturally
unnoticed
raised up while
tending to
unruly
replications
encourages
Have you ever taken the time to notice how people nurture their underlings differently? Whether it be parents or managers? Some do it well and others struggle in the task. Therefore one wonders if that is the result of the nurturing they received. Sometimes folk don’t even see the nurturing they receive, particularly if it is well-done.
Intentionality needs to be part of it yes?
Like for instance hubby and I are currently in a membership class. The church is intentionally fostering a need/desire for people to become members. Why?
To help build up the body of Christ in a manner that demands some accountability. One can be a bench warmer or one can fulfill their duties as a believer. Part of that starts with being an active member in a body of believers.
This week we are talking about the creation of new believers, and then the development of faithful disciples. One begets the other, which in turn should beget more, and so the body of believers is continually built up.
The church often fails in this, and so this particular church is seeking to actively change that. To change the mindset of global mission to more local mission and meeting people HERE. Encouraging faith in a society that discourages faith in God and promotes it in food, entertainment, and frivolity. Building faith in God in a community that doesn’t see the need because they are so distracted by everything else.
That’s my five minutes….
Time sometimes goes too fast and I don’t feel like I’m done talking…. so let’s see how quickly I can write just a bit more. 🙂
Nurture
Nurture isn’t just external
There is an inward part.
Particularly when it comes
to sharing one’s own heart.
To see the church of God built
up means connecting more your own
to the creator God’s throne.
Seeing his majesty.
Working hard to reflect it.
So that those around you
are inspired to
ask questions and find
answers to their own
questing hearts.
AND THEN
the church can be built.
Make your life of faith
ones the begs questions from
others. One that God’s mercy
and grace shines out of
even if under a glass dimly.
Beautifully said! Nurturing those to keep the faith, to grow, and to flourish in the Kingdom is a blessing for sure.
yes it is.
To nurture others well, I believe we must have a healthy self-worth as well.
FMF#17
that is helpful I think, but I don’t know if it’s really necessary.
“One can be a bench warmer or one can fulfill their duties as a believer. ” AMEN!
thanks for stopping in Mary
I love your acrostic! And your whole post is encouraging. How we need to nurture and be nurtured! It’s an ongoing thing isn’t it? Blessings to you!
thank you Gayl
Church membership is a great way to nurture a church body. I feel like it’s a dying practice, which makes it even more important!
yeah, it kinda makes you wonder why people are hesitant to join a church.