Men Of Action: Small Groups

I love to read books about World War II, especially one’s dealing with acts of heroism, courage and life or death situations..

I just finished reading about the Bataan Death March and the imprisonment of over 60,000 soldiers, pilots, foreign dignitaries and Philippine Nationals. The place they were imprisoned was only meant to hold 25,000 troops. What this meant is there wasn’t enough food, medicine or beds for all the prisoners.

Reading this book, even though it was on a secular level strengthened an aspect that God designed. Although most of the POW’s had little faith and hope was a dream, these men demonstrated a simple principle of God.

To survive they formed small groups!

These groups, made up of 4 or 5 men had different assignments to help them survive this ordeal. Members of these small groups were assigned food gathering duties; and looking after each other in health and emotional well being. Now I can go into great detail what this involved, but for stomach upset avoidance, I won’t get into details. Let’s just say, the things they had to resort to would make a rat sick (they ate those too!).

My point is, Small Groups are a survival practice that all Men of Action should partake in. Think about it, do you meet the guys for a game of Golf? Bowling? A beer? For Coffee? Well, whether you realize it or not, this is small group principle. No matter what you talk about.

God set this up!

The results of groups may vary but this social gathering of people, strengthens individuals. Margaret Mead is quoted in saying; “A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” If you don’t know, research what she accomplished.

God said it before Margaret did though.

Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.

Think about what a small group of committed Men and Woman of God can do?

Heb. 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Love this verse!

1). Small Groups provide a safe place to find answers to your spiritual questions.

It’s a great place for you to air your doubts and misgivings and wonderings about the Bible or about Christianity, and for the group to help you discover answers along the way.

2). Small Groups provide a place for you to be used by God to help meet others’ needs.

In a small group there will be a chance for people to share prayer requests and needs that they have. During this time every person in the group has the joyful opportunity to become part of the solution for that person who shares.

Perhaps their problem is something you have faced before and you can share what you learned. Perhaps you can simply pray for them and then keep praying for them and encouraging them throughout the week. Maybe you can even provide a service to that person that will actually take care of their need.

3). Small Groups provide a place for you to have your needs met by people who care.

Sometimes we all need some help getting out of something we’ve gotten ourselves into.

That’s what small group are all about!

Are you in a Christian based life changing group?

You should be!