Avoiding the chill

By KNOX HERNDON
Pastor

This was sent to me by my good friend Jeff Green serving the cause of freedom in Korea. I print it here in its entirety.

"One of my favorite stories is Jack London's 'To Build A Fire,' a short tale of a man who ventures into the frozen Yukon wilderness in a hazardous, but failed journey. Accompanied by his faithful dog in the more than -50 degree weather, he dismisses warnings about traveling alone, and ultimately, pays the price for his decision, freezing to death on the long trail between two villages.

"The attempts of the lone traveler to relieve himself from the numbing cold by starting a fire are foiled as he struggles with the matches in his frost-bitten hands. Only his dog makes it to the next village!

"As one reads this story, some analogies become apparent regarding our journey of faith. Our spiritual journey demands attention to the trail we traverse, the hostilities and rewards of the environment , and the preparations we make for that journey. We need the map of Scripture to navigate and guide us. And we travel better when we travel with others.

"Fellowship provides a certain warmth that guards against spiritual frostbite. Evangelist Billy Graham noted that Church-goers are like 'coals in a fire. When they cling together, they keep the flame aglow, when they separate, they die out!'

"One of the overriding principles of New Testament discipleship is fellowship. The disciples were sent out by twos, and we read of the companions who accompanied Peter and Paul on their various journeys. Finding the right companions for your spiritual journey is important.

"Someone once noted that we all need a Paul, a Barnabas and a Timothy in our lives. An older person like Paul to mentor and teach us, a person of equal ability and standing, like Barnabas to encourage us and befriend us, and a younger person and protege, like Timothy, who we in turn train and guide.

"Avoiding the chill of spiritual alienation begins by understanding where we're going, and friends of like faith who can walk with us. And if we do these things, more than just the dog will get to the other village!"

In adding to what Jeff has shared with us, we especially need all Christian Churches to "fellowship one with another" not "compete one with another." We are in the "sheepfold, the flock of believers" with the same "shepherd." We could do so much if we would work together.

Blessings for the summer as you cooperate within the flock and with other flocks.

The Rev. Dr. Knox Herndon is pastor of His House Community Church (SBC). The Rev. Greg Mausz is senior associate pastor. The Rev. Dr. Lydia Herndon is the Sunday School superintendent, Bible study coordinator and teacher. The church is just below Fayetteville, on Ga. Highway 85, a mile south of Ga. Highway 16, just below the fire station. Visitors welcome. Church office and prayer line 770-719-2365; e-mail KHERN2365@aol.com. The church's new Web site is www.hishousecommunitychurch.com.