Multiply

The first and most important STEP as we walk into our villages is prayer. In that time of prayer first, we take time for a moment of worship, secondly, a time of  stillness, and then ask God to even lead our prayer to Him. Amen? This is a time that should not be rushed, but truly a time where you and God are in deep communion with one another. This is where visions can be birthed, power infused and love for others grow. 

The Proverbs of Solomon in the Old Testament provide general wisdom that can be applied in many different spheres of life.  While some proverbs speak directly to marriage, others that don’t directly mention marriage provide wisdom that can strengthen husband-wife teams.

Today’s verse is 1 Corinthians 12:25 which reads in the New International Version, “so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.”  The English Standard Version (ESV) puts it this way.  “[T]hat there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.”

Other translations mention “equal care” or “same concern” for different members of the Body. 

The broader context of this text is unity and diversity in the Body.  The Corinthian church certainly had its issues, and factions and leader favorites possibly topped the list.  (It was in chapter 3 that Paul noted that some in Corinth followed him while others preferred Apollos.)   

As leaders and spiritual overseers, we set the example for unity within the Body of Christ.  I’ve heard it said that before one is qualified to be a leader, he or she must first be a good follower, and I believe that this is true.

King Solomon collected and published proverbs to help the people of his kingdom change from being simple to being wise.  Simple people are not those who lack intelligence. They are people who are undecided about good and evil. Consequently, they often make foolish decisions.

I believe that Psalms 23 shows that the sheep are dependent upon the shepherd for provision, guidance, and rest, for calm places to nourish and strengthen our hearts. His words and actions restores us for a witness of who the shepherd truly is.

The values and skills of church multiplication are transferred the same way the values and skills of farming or any other important endeavor are transferred. We lead and teach first and most importantly by our example. We model the way.

Paul gives three admonitions and instruction how we can live out this command.
1. “Be kind” – According to Galatians 5:22, “Kindness” is a fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As the Holy Spirit’s presence in our life grows – and as we increasingly yield to His direction – it is inevitable that our level of kindness to others will increase. 
2. “Be compassionate” – One dictionary defines compassion as a “sympathetic consciousness of others
3. “Forgive one another” – Sometimes this is much easier said than done. I like the way this is expressed in the Message. “Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.” We are to forgive one another “quickly.”

We have a huge vision: a church in every African village by 2050.  But how can this vison ever be reached?  The only way to possibly fulfill this vision is to engage in the multiplication of disciples, leaders and churches today.

As God’s children continue to grow and learn as Christians, we learn that there are times when the Lord adds to our lives, and times things in our lives are stripped away. This includes moments of brokenness, and growth.

Reading this, my mind turned back years ago when I made bread with my children. In the baking process; we would add yeast to our flour, next: we would WORK or kneed the yeast into what became now a dough mix, as we watched it change completely!

From the day that we are born again, the Holy Spirit begins to call us to live a transformed life. He goes right to work on character development in each of our lives.

To learn more about how to cooperate with the Holy Spirit so that you and your people can be transformed