We want to be this kind of family and these kind of people. What does this all mean?
First, we started out our meeting with our verse: 1 Thess 5:15 and our Mission.
Then we went through the three traits of what kind of people we want to be (vs. the antithesis)
First, Contributor vs. Consumer
Yes, contributors serve. They give. They add to others’ lives. Consumers? They use others for what they can get. They have ulterior motives for being kind or loving. They take take take.
We want to contribute!
Encourager or discourager?
Oh, we can all work on this. Do we build up or tear down? Do we look to help each other grow? Or do we criticize, condemn, and complain? Such a huge difference in how we treat others (and really our happiness quotient).
Influence or distract?
Influencers are leaders. But lead others to do the right thing. They make a difference. Distractors can lead too, but they can lead to the wrong direction.
We came up with scenarios for Tatum for each of these. (and the WHY to being contributors, encouragers, and influencers).
For the activity to illustrate, we said, this cup represents you, Tatum.
Psalm 18:29: For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.
Colossians 1:29: For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.
Ephesians: 3:20-21: Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Wow. Now, this is power, love and strength our GOD gives to us!
Now, decorate your cup with HIS love all around you, in you, and through you. (Smiley faces)
Now: Ephesians 2:10; For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Tatum, you are his masterpiece, and He has prepared you to serve and do good! Your purpose is unique to what that looks like.
So, how do you fill up daily with his SWEET SWEET LOVE? (we filled it with juice)
PRAY (talk to HIM!!) and READ His Word. Build that relationship with Him.
When you fill up on HIM, guess what happens!!?????? You can now:
Contribute
Encourage
Influence
We are filled with His Spirit and we are equipped. Great illustration.
We ended the meeting with hugs, prayers, and a yummy dinner!! Hooray!
Let’s be contributors, encouragers, and influencers today.
