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 Are You Somebody?

I am somebody. What I mean is I am SOMEBODY. 

For example, when my husband calls me on the phone from work and says, "Somebody

has to pick-up three hundred pounds of mulch," he doesn't mean himself or he wouldn't be calling me. He means me. I am Somebody.

Likewise, when my son shouts down the stairs, "Can Somebody find my shin guards?"  that Somebody is dear old Mom.

I've noticed I also address myself by my nickname. "Will Somebody let the dog out?"  "Somebody turn off the lights." "Hey, Somebody, set the table!" I do it, so why do I talk to myself?

Even the community, school, and church know my nickname. "We need Somebody to bake five dozen cookies for the fund-raiser." I hear my name, so I volunteer.

Does this sound familiar? Can you relate? Of course you can, because you are Somebody, too. You are SOMEBODY!

Remember it. I will, too. The next time the Cub Scouts need canvases for twenty-five teepees, I'll remember you are Somebody, and I'll let you volunteer. But, if a person needs me for a hug or encouragement, I’ll be right there, because I’m still Somebody, too.

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Is the Love Chapter a Weapon?

            The bride and groom chose I Corinthians 13 for the scripture reading during their wedding ceremony.

            I noticed a man elbowing his wife in the ribs.

            “Love is patient.” Poke.

            “Love does not insist on its own way.” Poke.

            “It is not irritable or resentful.” Poke.

            She frowned, pushed his elbow, and scooted away from him.

            His actions didn’t help her be more loving.

Not a weapon

            Those words, from what is often called “The Love Chapter,” shouldn’t be used as a weapon poked at an offender.

            First they should be absorbed by believers in Jesus, their Savior. These scriptures teach those who want to be more like Jesus how to be more loving. Individuals can study I Corinthians 13, see where they fall short in loving others, and ask God to help them improve in specific areas.

            Second, if a person seeks counsel and admits they are, for example, jealous, envious, or rude, the counselor may use scripture. Using God’s word, he can show what is loving and what is unloving, and point the person to a truthful way of loving, all the while acting in a kind, loving manner. Not with pokes, but gently directing with wisdom, scripture, and prayer.

When scripture is a weapon

            In Ephesians 4 Paul describes the armor of God. In verse 11 Christians are told: “put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”

            The second part of verse 17 says to take “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

            Christians are expected to use the Bible, words from God, as weapons against the devil.

Firm and gentle

            Use the words of the Bible to stand firm against the devil and to love people.

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