The Lazarules

1.     Tender words. There are two ways to say something.  The first way makes the other person feel worse.  The second way makes the other person feel better.  Let’s do everything in our power to create a community of people who always uplift and encourage one another in the LORD.

• “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)
• “Always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.” (1 Thessalonians 5:15)

2.     Mutual respect. Some of us are quite young in the LORD.  Others of us are mature.  How can we tell the difference?  The greater our maturity, the more we will treat one another with Godly gentleness and respect.

• “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2)
• “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

3.     One purpose. From time to time, we will be tempted to convert other Lazaroos to our personal theological beliefs.  I’m referring to those issues that divide the body of Christ into different churches and denominations.  What do you say we reject that divisive temptation?  Instead, let’s focus on the truths that unite us and draw us ever closer to one another.  The best way to do that is to stay singlemindedly focused on our purpose:  To become best friends with Jesus and to equip and inspire others to do the same.

• “Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” (Philippians 2:2)
• “To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours.” (2 Peter 1:1)
• “Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. One man’s faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.” (Romans 14:1-4)
• “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” (Titus 3:10-11)

What is Lazaroo?

Take Me Deeper