Summer Society…Practicing the Presence of People
Speaker: Pastor Pierre Du Plessis
Scripture Reference: Genesis 1:26, 2:18, 2:26, Colossians 1:19-20, John 13:35
Sermon Recap:
Summer’s here and it is an excellent time to practice and hone our relational skills.
Relational skills, for some do not come naturally, but they can be taught. Why, might you ask, would I want to practice a skill that I am not comfortable with, or have little time in my busy schedule to try to make happen?
If you are a believer in Christ, there are fundamental reasons why you should want to cultivate social skills. Primarily, you serve a relational God…God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, co-exist as One in Community. (Genesis 1:26). He has subsequently, called His followers to copy His lead. We were made by and for community. (Genesis 2:26) Our purpose is to reflect, relate and rule as image-bearers. Secondly, as humans we were designed by God to live in a symbiotic, mutually interdependent relationship with one another. In a healthy symbiosis, both sides benefit by giving and receiving.
It is only through Christ living in us that we can demonstrate the reflection of His love as image-bearers. (John 13:35 VOICE). As flawed people, we only flourish as we live in a relational community. But here’s the rub…It’s not that we don’t want to, but that we don’t know how to.
In learning how to grow relationally, we can participate in Summer Society, whereby we can linger after church to meet and greet one another, eat hotdogs, and drink lemonade, play games, engage in conversations, and dance to a live DJ. The open hand aptly illustrates this concept: Here you will find: Encouragers-the thumb, Guides-pointer finger, Agitators- the third finger, who spur you to try to step out of your comfort zone, Loyal and trustworthy people- ring finger, and little finger- the Quiet Humble, but essential people. Here everyone matters, here we can learn to love with the love of Christ …where Jesus brings us all together in vivid, harmonic relationship.
Discussion Questions:
How did you respond overall to the sermon?
Do you agree with the speaker that we are made to be relational? Why or why not?
What happens when we build fences and wall ourselves in?
Do you consider yourself a social being? Why or why not?
Do you think you can develop social skills by practicing them?
Where do you find yourself on the 5 relational behaviors: Encourager, teacher, agitator/prodder, loyal, or non-assuming quiet one.
Are you satisfied with your relational skills? How would you modify them, if at all.