Do It Double

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, BEARING WITH ONE ANOTHER in love.” Ephesians 4:2

I was thinking the other day of things that go together.  The common ones came to mind, like peanut butter and jelly and salt and pepper.  I even began to think of people who went together like Lucy and Ethel or The Lone Ranger and Tonto.  Funny how in your mind, some things are just a pair.  I’ll bet if you stopped for just a minute you could come up with dozens of things that match.  I think we get conditioned to see things together, and don’t really give them much notice.  We even see pairs in Scripture. I did a little “independent research” and realized in most cases, (how scientific is that) when people describe something or someone, they use a pair of words.  For instance, that flower is so bright and colorful or that baby is so cute and chubby.  We tend to do a lot of things in pairs.

As we charge into Lent,  whose up for a “Double Disciple” challenge?  Your challenge will be do Christian acts double. Not just one good deed, but two. Not just a kind word to one person, but two. You could go all out if you wanted to, instead of giving one thing from each closet in your house to charity, make it two.  What would happen if you took a plate of cookies or a bouquet of flowers to two neighbors instead of one.  What about that young couple with little ones you know who could really use a night out, why not offer to babysit their kids for two hours instead of one so they can enjoy a peaceful dinner or a good nap. The possibilities are absolutely endless!

I saw a great church sign recently that said, “A narrow mind and a wide mouth are not a good combination.”  It made me giggle.  So I’m going to use the idea from that sign to make the “Double Disciple” challenge a wee bit stiffer.  If during the week, you happen to demonstrate a pair of “not –so-Christian” behaviors or attitudes; like being grumpy and impatient with a spouse or co-worker,   you have to do another double good act to make up for it.  I can’t wait to see the blessings that are in store for the world if we all take on the challenge!  

A Seed To Plant: Take on the “Be a Double Disciple” challenge this second week of Lent and let us know what happened. ​

Blessings on your day!