Sharing

You stand in front of your weekly dorm fellowship, read 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ("in everything give thanks for this is the will of God in you"), and say your piece.

The exhortation which you had prepared after your quiet time this morning lasts for five minutes. "As Christians we shouldn't hesitate to share. It glorifies God..." Then comes your final statement: "So who'd like to share first?"

Five seconds. Ten seconds. No hand is raised, so you say, "Come on, don't be shy. Who'd like to share?"

Still no response, except for bowed heads--as if gravity had sudddenly become stronger--or rolling eyes that look elsewhere, careful to avoid your friendly gaze.



It's almost always like this in fellowships. During sharing time, people become extraordinarily hushed. Or worse, disinterested. It's disheartening. Surely the Lord has done wonders for the past week. The earth would run short of paper if each person writes his praise items.

The ideal scenario would be that of excitement: people raising their hands quickly, hoping they'd be called because if they don't get to share about how the Lord has been good to them for the past week, they'd explode. This part is hyperbole, of course, but sharing is more than just telling. It is a way of encouragement. It is a way of spurring others to pray. It is a way of thanksgiving. It is a way of giving God the glory that He alone deserves.

So who'd like to share first?