One On One

Friends,

I remember that when I was younger, that I enjoyed playing basketball. It is a good team sport that requires productive teamwork in order to be successful. What I did not enjoy were the tryouts, because they often involved playing "one on one." I was pretty good at being a point guard on a team of five, but put me in a “one on one” situation? The results were usually not so good. Some of the great basketball television commercials have involved “one on one,” such as Jordan and Bird’s famous McDonalds commercial.

Contrary to my basketball experiences, when it comes to life, “one on one” is a great way to play. It is practical and responsible. We need to be able to share with one another – the joys, the sorrows, the frustrations, the surprises. Jesus encourages us to deal with struggles with one another “one on one.” There is tremendous wisdom behind this encouragement. It heads off all types of relationship difficulties, and allows for reconciliation, which is such an important spiritual principle! Another great value for spending time “one on one” is discipleship. This is a grand Biblical principle where stronger, more mature Christians mentor younger Christians and help them to grow in their Christian walk. It is important to encourage people to spend time “one on one.” I have shared over and over that I have no illusion to having all the answers to the Bible. Yet, if anyone would have questions for me following a sermon or a class -- come see me “one on one.” I have always been open to discussion and I always will be so.

One of my favorite people that I have known in my life is Bud Haynes. He would occasionally come to talk with me after a class with questions in order to clarify a point that I may not have made particularly clear. This would always lead to a welcome and excellent discussion that would help both of us to be better students and people. One of my favorite Bible passages is “as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). This has proven to be true on countless occasions in my life, and for this, I am very thankful. It is great to have a good discussion. The Lord understood how important it is that we humans build relationships and that it needs to happen on an elementary level first – “one on one.”

Blessings,
Don