The problem as I saw it then and as I see it now is that it’s become just another prefix in our ridiculous Christian speak. The theology behind being brothers (and women understand that being a sister would not have been equal therefore women are brothers too because you have the same access and benefits as a brother/son) is meaningful. But we have reduced it to a name.

In this passage we see that being brothers means continually loving each other by sharing our resources, by showing radical hospitality, by sharing the load of injustice and despair, by suffering alongside, and by being there when it’s not convenient or easy. We are indeed brothers as adopted children of God and as co-heirs with Christ. But being brothers in name alone is not what God intends.

This verse seems to reverse the focus. We are called to serve others, “to do good and to share with others.” In a culture where individualism is supreme and where we are taught that consuming more is the key to happiness and fulfillment, sharing is counter-intuitive; sharing is a sacrifice. “God is pleased” when we break from our cultural norms and from our selfishness. “God is pleased” when we invite others into our realm of importance by doing good towards and sharing with them.

The problem is, too often we don’t live our lives in a way that proves we are Christ followers. We don’t make disciples because the way we live doesn’t foster disciple making. Our lives don’t match our calling. Perhaps the reason the North American Church is in drastic decline is because we as Christians aren’t making disciples “as we go” by the way we live, act, speak, serve, and love.

As You Go…May your life be one that inspires others to live as disciples!