Fellowship

Earlier this summer on a beautiful weekend in the good ole state of Iowa we celebrated what we call Iowa Days. It is a time period when those Iowa residents who have left our great state for various reasons, come back to the State to celebrate and fellowhip the heritage of growing up in Des moines Iowa. It is an exciting time because people who you may not have had the opportunity to see, and engage for perhaps decades, you get an opportunity to fellowship with. As I have aged and been afforded the opportunity to grow older, I realize just how important this unique opportunity is. This idea of the coming together of fellow human beings for a common purpose. getting reaquainted with long lost friends through conversation, back slaps, and reassuring hugs and well wishes. Like two ships passing in the night, we should all cherish these fleeting moments, for perhaps time will not afford us to pass this way again..

The definition of fellowship is an association of persons who have similar interest tastes etc... This would certainly define the social relationships of people who attend a social activity like Iowa Days. or a socially engaging activity like a church event. The difference between the two of them is Iowa days is a secular social event, where as church is a place to learn to have a personal relationship with god, to actively be a part of his salvation plan, and to fellowship with others who have the same goal. Being a part of this not only brings us closer to God but it also gives each of us an opportunity to work on our spiritual growth which is tantamount to having success at becoming a viable christian.

It is sad but true that the world that we presently live in has an unlimited amount of examples of people who are out of fellowship with each other. The consequence of this behavior can be disastrous for everyone involved. One of the first examples the bible gives of this would the relationship of Cain and Able. As we know from the story jealousy and envy played a part in the destruction of their relationship when the offering of one of the brothers was found to be unacceptable to God. The resulting rage he felt caused him to slay his brother and to cause god to ask, "And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? And he [God] said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.--" Genesis 4: 9-10 (KJV)

This failed relationship among two of the first sons of Adam and Eve would be our first example of human rivalry and hatred among men and would lead to a new invention, murder. Obviously it would be in all of our best interest not to follow their example. We each have an obligation to follow the second of the two greatest commandments which is, " To love thy neighbor as thy self". Fellowship is key to having success in this area of our Christan walk. All this weekend I have been given yet another opportunity to demonstrate my love and fellowship with my common man. It has enriched my spirit and given me a new and more profound appreciation for this wonderful gift we call life. others have gone on home to be with the lord and so have gone on to a different type of fellowship. One that is perhaps more spiritual than anything we could ever experience here on earth. But today I simply thank God for each and every given opportunity to fellowship. It has helped to make me the man that I am, I believe that we are all the better simply because of it..