Better Together: The Weak Adds Strength!

I'm back in the kitchen and making mayonnaise and mayo-based salad dressings. On my first batch of mayo, I put all the ingredients into the container and applied the stick blender as I always do. For some reason this batch of mayo did not set as well as it usually does. I checked the amount of lemon juice, which plays a major factor in the thickening, but still the dressing was the consistency of a thick liquid. I set this batch aside and began another with new ingredients.
The second batch came out perfectly. So I decided to add a little bit of the first to it. Continuing to blend, I added some of the less set mayo and it thickened up beautifully. I continued adding until half of that first batch was added to the second and the consistency was firmer than either had been on its own. The mayo had increased in both volume and quality.
Setting this thick mayo aside, I began a third batch. The same thing happened again. As I began adding the remaining partially set mayo to the thick batch it became even thicker. The final result was 3 full, thick jars of mayo. Adding the seasonings, I soon had one jar of mayo, one jar of Stevia sweetened “non-honey” mustard and one jar of ranch dressing. What had initially not been useable, had actually improved the quality of the final product.
In the body of Christ, a similar thing can happen. It is never a good idea to simply dismiss a Christian brother or sister who is less trained in biblical principles. Although it is wise for a younger Christian to learn and be taught, God may speak through him or her. This student of the word can be strengthened and trained by one who is spiritually stronger. Walking side-by-side, this training will build up both. Jesus spoke of this principle when he said, “A pupil is not superior to his teacher, but everyone [when he is] completely trained (readjusted, restored, set to rights, and perfected) will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:40 AMP) The apostle Paul addressed our need for each other in his letter to the Romans. “So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts one of another [mutually dependent on one another]. (Romans 12:5 AMP) He made clear that we had different gifts and purposes in God’s kingdom. He never stated that all would be equally strong in order for us to work together.
Sometimes a lack of maturity in a believer is caused by inappropriate behaviors and attitudes. Sin, laziness and fear can all inhibit growth in Christ. A stronger believer is encouraged to come alongside one who is acting inappropriately to both reprimand and disciple him or her. “And we earnestly beseech you, brethren, admonish (warn and seriously advise) those who are out of line [the loafers, the disorderly, and the unruly]; encourage the timid and fainthearted, help and give your support to the weak souls, [and] be very patient with everybody [always keeping your temper].” (1 Thessalonians 5:14 AMP) When the weaker believer turns from wrong behaviors he/she will also become strong in the Lord.
Throughout Scripture we hear of the value of unity. “Two are better than one, because they have a good [more satisfying] reward for their labor; For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 AMP)  “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1 AMP) Whenever we are joined with others there will be some who are stronger and some who are weaker. Love and unity overlook this difference. The stronger simply takes the weaker by the hand and together they grow into a strength that far exceeds that which either could attain on his or her own.
In all this we must remember the root of everything that we do. “You are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus Himself the chief Cornerstone. In Him the whole structure is joined (bound, welded) together harmoniously, and it continues to rise (grow, increase) into a holy temple in the Lord [a sanctuary dedicated, consecrated, and sacred to the presence of the Lord]. In Him [and in fellowship with one another] you yourselves also are being built up [into this structure] with the rest, to form a fixed abode (dwelling place) of God in (by, through) the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:20-22 AMP) On this foundation, with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone, we will flourish together.

Do you know someone that you can bring alongside and strengthen today? Are you struggling and feel you need help to become strong? Join with a brother or sister, knowing that both of you will be better for it.