During the early 1990’s, one of my favorite songs on the radio was called, “Can I Count On You?” The song is based on a young boy and girl who begin dating, marry, and go through life together. The music video of the song takes you through different stages of life that challenges them: job loss, child rearing, and medical issues. The video ends with them sitting on the porch swing in their golden years at the end of a day watching the sunset. The song asks, “Can I Count On You?” The spiritual application for us, the church, is this, can we can count on each other during difficult times? Many in our number experience loss, suffering, and challenges on many fronts, daily. How can we help?
- We must understand everyone has burdens: Matthew 5:45 says, “that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”
- We must realize Christians are not immune to suffering: James 1:2-4 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let your patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
- We must realize we should help others who suffer: Romans 12:15 say, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”
- We must realize to display a good attitude towards others so we can demonstrate contentment because of Christ: Philippians 4:11-13 says, “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Let us let others know they can count on us.
