My Brother's Keeper

“Religion is a guy in church thinking about fishing.

Spirituality is a guy out fishing thinking about God.” ~ John Fischer

Hopefully I haven't lost my followers in my absence, but I'm here to let you know I'm back. Over the past couple of weeks, I have had a chance to really get to be involved with my brother and what's going on with him. MAN!!! Drama central. LOL. But let me stop exaggerating. He has hit an obstacle in his life. He has to become the next level of a man and it's not easy. Nothing life worth anything ever is. In this journey, he has rededicated himself to God. I am very proud of him for that, but it doesn't come without it's headaches. I mean dang! It's like I am talking to a brick wall. I sit and wonder how in the world am I going to get through to him? Some days I wonder if I should even try. Am I my brother's keeper?

Many people ask this same question. So.... What are we suppose to do? The original context comes from the story of Cain and Abel. In that story Cain and Abel were both trying to be in God's glory but in the end Cain killed Abel because of God's denial of Cain's offering. (Ref. Genesis Ch. 4) In reading this he makes the famous quote of "Am I my brother's keeper?" when God asks Cain where Abel is. Well... Are we? We would think no because we can only control ourselves, but in turn thinking that way, we would not be living in God's way.

James 2:14-17(NIV)

Faith and Deeds

¹⁴ What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? ¹⁵ Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. ¹⁶ If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? ¹⁷ In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

In James ch. 2, it highlights some of those answers of what to do. When we turn our backs to others, we sometimes display the action of faith without deeds. How can we wish them well, but do nothing to help? Does that mean to do everything for them? No. They in turn still have to do work in the same respect. So where does that lead us? It leads us to the bracelet. WWJD (What would Jesus Do?) We are asked to be Fishers and Sheppards amongst men, and women.  Do we remember the old saying, "You can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink?" Old sayings are relevant because they hold some truths. It's basically saying  to supply the knowledge and open arms to anyone who wants to receive God's glory and blessing (e.g. His works through you), but you can't force something into someone.

So where does this leave us in this story? For me, my brother is asking my advice and I in turn will do my best to be a guide through God. When we are strategically place in life by God, lets not block our blessings to others. Give freely and in return you will be rewarded. You have the perfect playbook. The Bible. Following God is not the easiest path all the time but the reward is worth the time and effort. Encourage not only questions, but the right questions to God when we are downtrodden. Be there for each other. When times are tough, keep your head up and trudge on. I believe in you and in God. May you have a blessed day and change a life today.