Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. I then, as Paul--an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus-- Philemon 8-9 NIV

Philemon was a good Christian man. We don't know what he used to be like, but we know that when Paul writes this letter to him, he is considered a committed Christian. Sometimes, even committed Christians may need a little reminder of what is the right thing to do, if they are not doing it on their own.

My nine year old loves basketball. He has played for several years in a church league. He is a pretty good player, but his biggest fault is that he is a perfectionist. He wants to play well, by the rules, and he wants everyone else to do the same. During the first few games of his season, he lost his patience with the officiating. He wanted every foul, every double dribble, and every walk called. One time the referee told him he needed to sit and be quiet. I thought he might get thrown out of the game. Having once received the "most Christ-like award", I didn't think it would look good for him.

I didn't say much to him, and really didn't expect it, but last week, just before the game, my son went to the same official and apologized for his behavior. He said, "I will try to do better." The official, who does several games in the area, was shocked and grateful for Nathaniel's comments. It was good to see my son correct his own mistakes and do the right thing.

Sometimes, as Christians, we follow through with what is right. When we don't, however, God allows our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ the opportunity, and the obligation to gently rebuke us in love. I have been on the receiving end of that kind of blessing. It isn't always fun, but it does encourage and challenge us to keep our lives pure.

Are you involved in something you know you shouldn't be? Is there something you should take care of that you haven't yet? Can you straighten out your life on your own, or should you call a Christian friend to hold you accountable?

Do you know someone who is committing a sin before the Lord? Is there anything you can do? One of God's best ways of building His church is by the Godly influence we have on each other.

May we be God's church today!

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