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Empowered to Link Horizontally and
Vertically
by Captain
Andre Togo
Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:16-17
(NIV): “For in him all things were created: things in
heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or
powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created
through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him
all things hold together.”
The concept of being “empowered to
link” speaks profoundly to the dual aspects of our
relationships as believers: the horizontal links we form with
each other in community, and the vertical link we maintain
with God. Understanding this divine connection is essential to
living out our salvation journey, marked by grace, love, and
purposeful interaction.
1. Horizontal Links: Community in
Christ
In In the body of Christ, our
horizontal connections, relationships we build with fellow
believers are foundational to our spiritual growth and the
fulfilment of God’s purpose in our lives. These connections go
beyond mere social interactions; they represent a vital,
dynamic partnership in the mission of Christ.
Our horizontal links function as a
support system within the Christian community. Paul emphasizes
the necessity of these relationships throughout his letters.
In Galatians 6:2, he instructs believers to “carry each
other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of
Christ.” This call to actively share in one another’s
struggles underscores the essence of community: we are not
meant to walk the journey of faith alone. The act of bearing
burdens, be they emotional, spiritual, or physical, reflects
the compassion and love that Christ demonstrated during His
earthly ministry. Additionally, Romans 12:15 exhorts us to
“rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
This verse illustrates the dual aspect of connection,
celebrating victories and providing comfort in times of trial.
These acts of sharing joy and sorrow create a tapestry of
human experience where we deeply feel the highs and lows of
life together. Such connections culture empathy, allowing us
to experience Christ's love through our interactions.
Mutual Support and Accountability
As members of one body, we are called
to support and hold one another accountable in our spiritual
journeys. This accountability is not about judgment or
condemnation; rather, it reflects a shared commitment to
pursue holiness and godliness. In Hebrews 10:24-25, we are
encouraged to “consider how we may spur one another on
toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as
some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”
Here, we see that accountability thrives in community, where
believers inspire each other to stay the course in their
faith. This form of mutual edification is essential for
spiritual development. We all have moments of doubt,
weariness, and temptation, and having fellow believers to
uplift us and remind us of God’s truths can be crucial. When
we surround ourselves with a community of faith, we equip
ourselves with reminders that we are not alone, and that God’s
grace is sufficient for our weaknesses.
In our fast-paced and often challenging
world, encouragement is a powerful tool of connection.
Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person
sharpens another.” Engagement in each other’s lives
through words of affirmation, acts of kindness, or simply
being present can literally sharpen and refine our character.
When we encourage one another, we ignite hope and strengthen
resolve, allowing fellow believers to continue pressing on in
their faith.
Moreover, shared mission is an
incredible motivator within community. When we come together,
unified in a common purpose whether it’s mission work,
community service, or church activities our collective energy
amplifies our impact. The early church exemplified this unity,
as described in Acts 2:42-47, where the believers devoted
themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and
prayer, resulting in powerful testimonies of divine provision
and growth.
Recognizing inherent value and
God-given roles
Empowered to link horizontally is about
recognizing the inherent value that each person brings to our
community. Every believer possesses unique gifts, talents, and
insights that benefit the body of Christ (1 Corinthians
12:12-27). By creating an environment where each individual
feels valued and essential, we create space for people to
operate within their purpose. Understanding that we all play a
role in the Church’s mission whether as teachers, encouragers,
servants, or administrators invites us to embrace our
positions while uplifting others in theirs. This collaborative
spirit is essential for unity in diversity, allowing us to
appreciate differences that enrich our community. Every
interaction we have with fellow believers is an opportunity to
manifest God’s love, grace, and unity. Ephesians 4:3 calls us
to make “every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit
through the bond of peace.” In practical terms, this means
we approach one another with grace, open communication, and
resolve conflicts with a heart for reconciliation.
As we engage in relationships filled
with love and truth, we mirror Christ’s beauty and presence in
our community. The way we treat one another can serve as a
living testimony of His love to a world that desperately needs
hope and healing. When others see our genuine care and
commitment to one another, they are drawn to the source of
that love: Jesus Christ.
2. Vertical Links: Connection with God
Our vertical connection with God serves
as the bedrock of our empowered lives. In the Gospel of John,
Jesus illustrates this relationship in John 15:5, stating,
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and
I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do
nothing.” This profound metaphor underscores the necessity
of maintaining an intimate relationship with Christ, which is
cultivated through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word.
Salvation initiates a direct communion
with God, transcending our earthly limitations and linking us
to the divine source of life. This communion is not merely a
religious obligation but a transformative experience that
empowers us to live out our faith authentically. As we engage
with God through prayer and worship, we deepen our
understanding of His grace and love, which in turn influences
how we perceive ourselves and others. This vertical
relationship is foundational; it shapes our identity and
motivates us to reflect Christ’s love in all our interactions.
The grace that brings salvation is also the grace that
empowers us to live godly lives. As highlighted in Titus
2:11-14, this grace instructs us to renounce ungodliness and
worldly passions, enabling us to lead self-controlled, upright
lives while awaiting Christ’s return. The transformative power
of God's grace is evident in personal testimonies where
individuals testify to a marked change in their thoughts,
behaviours, and aspirations since embracing faith. This
ongoing transformation is a testament to how deeply our
vertical relationship with God can influence every aspect of
our lives.
The vertical relationship with God
inevitably affects our horizontal relationships and our
interactions with others. As we experience God's steadfast
love and faithfulness, we are compelled to extend that same
grace to those around us. This principle echoes throughout
Scripture; for instance, Paul encourages believers in
Philippians 2 to embody humility and consider others more
significant than themselves. The vertical connection not only
nourishes our spiritual lives but also cultivates a community
characterized by love, compassion, and reconciliation. Our
salvation is not just a momentary experience but an ongoing
journey of transformation and empowerment. When we embrace the
truth of our salvation, it ignites a passion within us to link
both horizontally and vertically. The transcendent nature of
our relationship with Christ provides us a new perspective on
our lives and interactions. In recognizing that we are saved
by grace and adopted into the family of God, we become vessels
of that grace to others. This realization compels us to extend
love, forgiveness, and kindness across our horizontal
connections while depending on the strength and guidance of
our vertical link with God.
The challenge for many believers is to
engage effectively in both dimensions. Sometimes, our
horizontal interactions can experience strain, which can tempt
us to withdraw from our vertical relationship with God.
Conversely, an isolated vertical focus can lead to neglecting
the community God has placed us in. It is essential to nurture
both links harmoniously.
Acts 2:42-47 provides a beautiful
picture of the early church engaging in both: they broke bread
together, prayed, and were in awe of God’s power all while
enjoying the favour of the people. This dual empowerment led
to growth in numbers and deepened faith.
Prayer
Gracious Father, thank You for
empowering us to link horizontally with our brothers and
sisters in Christ and vertically with You. Help us to nurture
both relationships with reverence and love. May our
connections reflect Your character, drawing others to You and
strengthening the body of believers. Help us to embrace our
salvation as a transformative journey that influences every
aspect of our lives. Amen.
Action Step
Consider what steps you can take this
week to strengthen both your horizontal and vertical links.
Perhaps plan a time of fellowship with fellow believers or
dedicate time to deepen your personal relationship with God
through prayer or Scripture study. Reflect on the significance
of both connections and how they shape your life of faith and
community.
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