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Pieces of the Whole, not the be all, end all... · The Holy Pause

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: A reading from scripture, Proverbs 25, 9-15.
• 0:07
  SPEAKER_00: Argue it out with your neighbor and don't give away someone's secret.
• 0:11
  SPEAKER_00: Otherwise, the one who hears it will vilify you.
• 0:14
  SPEAKER_00: The slander against you will never stop.
• 0:17
  SPEAKER_00: Words spoken at the right time are like gold apples in a silver setting.
• 0:22
  SPEAKER_00: Wise correction to an ear that listens is like a gold earring or jewelry of fine gold.
• 0:28
  SPEAKER_00: Like the coolness of snow on a harvest day are reliable messengers to those who send them.
• 0:34
  SPEAKER_00: They restore the life of their master.
• 0:37
  SPEAKER_00: People who brag about a gift never given are like clouds and wind that produce no rain.
• 0:43
  SPEAKER_00: A commander can be persuaded with patience and a tender tongue can break a bone.
• 0:56
  SPEAKER_00: This passage is steeped in wisdom about relationships,
• 0:59
  SPEAKER_00: how we handle one another in conflict,
• 1:02
  SPEAKER_00: how we keep confidence with one another,
• 1:04
  SPEAKER_00: how we speak wisely or unwisely, and how we influence one another through patience.
• 1:11
  SPEAKER_00: The common thread in all of this is that a healthy community depends on all
• 1:15
  SPEAKER_00: of its people using each of their strengths to build one another up.
• 1:20
  SPEAKER_00: There is no one person doing all the work or owning all the gifts and skills.
• 1:25
  SPEAKER_00: There is a community full of people using individual gifts to bring about a solid structure.
• 1:32
  SPEAKER_00: Some people are gifted listeners.
• 1:35
  SPEAKER_00: Some have the gift of gab.
• 1:37
  SPEAKER_00: This is not to say that we as God's children aren't called to grow and learn
• 1:41
  SPEAKER_00: and seek out new ways to connect with others.
• 1:43
  SPEAKER_00: But it is assurance that not one person is destined to have it all.
• 1:48
  SPEAKER_00: Not everyone has the gift of saying the right thing at the right time.
• 1:52
  SPEAKER_00: Some people are encouragers.
• 1:55
  SPEAKER_00: Some are patient peacemakers, while others are dependable servants.
• 2:00
  SPEAKER_00: God doesn't expect one person to excel in every area,
• 2:04
  SPEAKER_00: but God does expect each of us to discover and use our gifts to build up rather
• 2:09
  SPEAKER_00: than tear down.
• 2:11
  SPEAKER_00: God designed us all to live in community,
• 2:14
  SPEAKER_00: where each person contributes unique gifts, wisdom, and perspectives.
• 2:20
  SPEAKER_00: When we try to do everything ourselves, we often become exhausted.
• 2:25
  SPEAKER_00: But when we trust one another and allow others to use their God-giving strengths,
• 2:29
  SPEAKER_00: everyone benefits.
• 2:32
  SPEAKER_00: These verses remind us that our words, actions, and character affect the people around us.
• 2:40
  SPEAKER_00: A trustworthy friend,
• 2:42
  SPEAKER_00: a wise counselor,
• 2:44
  SPEAKER_00: a patient encourager,
• 2:46
  SPEAKER_00: and a faithful messenger all play different but equally valuable roles.
• 2:51
  SPEAKER_00: Together we reflect God's wisdom more completely than any one of us could alone
• 2:56
  SPEAKER_00: So stop trying to do it all or be it all.
• 3:00
  SPEAKER_00: That's a personal rubber man, by the way.
• 3:02
  SPEAKER_00: And open yourself today to the gift you have that is unique,
• 3:06
  SPEAKER_00: timely, and very needed in the building of the beloved community around you.
• 3:16
  SPEAKER_00: Consider this response.
• 3:19
  SPEAKER_00: Where are you trying to be everything for everyone?
• 3:22
  SPEAKER_00: How might God be inviting you to lean on the gift of others to And
• 3:26
  SPEAKER_00: to offer your own gifts with humility.
• 3:31
  SPEAKER_00: Join me in prayer.
• 3:34
  SPEAKER_00: Lord of all gifts, thank you for creating us to need one another.
• 3:39
  SPEAKER_00: Help me to celebrate the gifts you've given others instead of feeling like I have
• 3:43
  SPEAKER_00: to do everything myself.
• 3:45
  SPEAKER_00: Teach me to use my own strengths faithfully,
• 3:48
  SPEAKER_00: encourage those around me,
• 3:50
  SPEAKER_00: and build relationships marked by trust, wisdom, and patience.
• 3:55
  SPEAKER_00: May our community reflect your love as we serve one another.
• 3:58
  SPEAKER_00: Amen.
• 4:03
  SPEAKER_00: This podcast was written by Catherine Piper and recorded
• 4:07
  SPEAKER_00: by Reverend Elizabeth Troyer with audio engineering and editing assistance
• 4:11
  SPEAKER_00: from Jermaine Taylor.
• 4:12
  SPEAKER_00: This podcast will always be free.
• 4:15
  SPEAKER_00: But if you would like to donate to our online ministry,
• 4:17
  SPEAKER_00: you can do so at wakeforestpres.org slash give.
• 4:38
  SPEAKER_01: Thank you.