Growing up in my family made for a lifetime of sharing. Several factors were involved that made this, not only a possibility, but an absolute necessity. However, there was never any resentment toward each other. There was no "having to share." We just did and, frankly, discovered we were happy when we did.
Some of those factors were
- There were 10 children, nine of whom were boys.
- The time frame was between 1930 and the mid-1950s.
- Close parental (and sibling) supervision, and
- Active participation in church.
I grant you that this was a different era with different life styles. Nevertheless, may I quickly affirm that, just because there are social changes in customs and morality, Christian (and Biblical) values do not change. Nor should our teaching and expectations. Regardless of how the world around us tries to apply unchristian attitudes and actions on us, we should never "conform to the pattern of this world" (Romans 12:2a-NIV).
Let me explain briefly how those factors named above helped our family with sharing. They worked individually as well as jointly. The time frame (30's to 50's) was a period of economic depression, with war time shortages, but also with family awareness. Large families in rural areas were the norm. We were fortunate to have mostly one gender which made "hand-me-downs" simpler. (Most parents seem to agree that it is easier to clothe boys than girls.)
Sharing in play time, sleeping arrangements, chores and eating were all affected by each of the factors listed. For example, the younger boys were always thrilled to be with "the big boys"--wearing what they used to wear, playing the games they enjoyed playing and, in general, doing whatever they did. "The big boys" had the honor of choices. The little ones were allowed to do what "the big boys" did. "The big boys" had the experience and were looked up to. So, in actual experience, sharing helped both to get what they wanted (needed).
Another example is in the active participation in church. We received the spiritual education we needed along with practice. Then, when we were at home, we were closely supervised by our parents (or older, responsible siblings) to keep us accountable.
Don't misunderstand. We weren't perfect. Far from it. We made our allotment of mistakes (and were duly corrected). My point is this: SHARING IS IMPORTANT IN OUR LIVES. However, it is not automatic. We were all born with a self-centered nature. Only teaching and training in godly morals and principles from God's Word along with the transformation of the heart by the Holy Spirit will help us develop a lifetime of sharing as Christians.
There are many forms and avenues that may be taken in order to share as Christians. This venue, in one posting, is not capable of enumerating them all. But, at the very least, it should be grasped by each of us who are Christ followers that
- We ought to share the gospel message when, where and with whom we have the opportunity (Matthew 28:18-20).
- We ought to share the gospel message by whatever means we have available (that does not detract from the message.) (Ephesians 5:16)
A blog such as this is simply another way to share the gospel message. In fact, if it does not accomplish that, then I pray that God will give me the wisdom to shut it down. There are three primary reasons for sharing the gospel.
- First and foremost--to bring glory to God. Secondly,
- For the salvation of non-believers. Also
- For the building up of the believers.
There are many ways and means for each of us to answer God's call to witness and share His message. In relation to this blog and its gospel message, I sincerely ask you to share this on any and all of the social networks you use, such as Facebook. This will reach your friends and contacts, who may do the same with theirs. Google Plus (g+) is another means to share, whether you do so for all, just specific circles or for specific contacts within circles. Whether you use a desk top, mobile or email, the hope is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
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