On occasion the whirlwind in my hyperactive mind slows down enough for me to ponder some of the simpler things in life. And so it was that, in a moment between projects this week, I found myself pondering the rubber band.
Rubber bands were at one time ubiquitous. Some of us are old enough to remember them binding our morning newspapers or bundles of mail. And while today they are not as constant a presence as they once were, they still find use in the shipping industry and office. And who can resist the playful rubber band fight?
But however they are used, a simple law governs their use. They must be stretched. Rubber bands left in their basic state accomplish nothing. It’s only when they are carefully stretched that the elastic property of the rubber becomes evident. Physicists would say that stretching the rubber band transfers energy, which the band channels when released, producing force.
Something very similar happens with people. In our natural state, nothing really changes. Change requires energy, effort… stretching.
It’s quite easy to passively sit like the rubber band. But when stretched through the teaching of God’s word, the example of godly mentors, and the active engagement of faithful leaders (“Let’s do this together,” as opposed to “Go, do this.”), the Spirit moves disciples to maturity and fruitful service for the Lord.
But the effort must be continual. Once you stop stressing the rubber band, the band returns to its original state. In the same way, when Christians stop stretching, we regress.
In 1 Thess. 4:1, Paul wrote, “Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.”
Christian, pastor, church, heed the law of the rubber band. Never stop stretching for the next stage of growth and service the Lord has before you.
Bro. Jim