I Do! – Neighborhood Watch – June 8th

I DO
June 8, 2021

Neighborhood Watch

Hebrews 12:14-15, ‘In every relationship be swift to choose peace over competition, and run swiftly toward holiness, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Watch over each other to make sure that no one misses the revelation of God’s grace. And make sure no one lives with a root of bitterness sprouting within them which will only cause trouble and poison the hearts of many.’ (TPT)

Webster: ‘Relationship’ is a connection, association, or involvement. It represents dependence, alliance, kinship.

We have a responsibility to one another. There is an ‘I Do’ commitment in any relationship we form, whether marital, spiritual, work, personal, to name a few. Even if never voiced, you say ‘I Do’ to your family and co-workers and friends everyday just by your actions.

Some neighborhoods have set up safety and precautionary practices to watch out for one another, called a, get this, Neighborhood Watch. The premise is designed to protect the homes, belongings and people who inhabit the neighborhood. We similarly are called to do so for one another whether living in the same neighborhood or even across time zones and state lines, and certainly in community. The writer of Hebrews encourages us to permeate our relationships with peace, a wrap-around peace that settles strife and debugs feuds and defuses ugly or temperamental situations.

I spent a couple hours today out in my yard care-taking my dandelion and weed issues. Previously, I poured some weed killer on the perimeter of my yard where dandelions had taken over. But, being lazy, I decided not to take any effort to areas less visual to my neighbors. Problem is I know they are there. There is something extremely satisfying to take out weeds, dandelions, thistles by their roots; to get to the root of the problem so to speak. There are some roots that are so dense and strong there is not any unearthing them. Roots can hold up towering redwoods. Roots can clog underground pipes and drainages. Roots can last from one lifetime to the next and pass down traits through generations. Roots can sprout many things, both good and bad. Roots belong to beauty and growth but roots also are attached to weeds which stifle and smother progress and prosperity.

We can commit to edifying positive growth in one another, building each other up and watching over one another, quickly weeding out any cancerous malignancy that threatens to destroy community and relationship. Two small words, ‘I Do’, can build strength, something eternal and committed, because two or more are always stronger and better than one.

What a promise ‘I Do’ is! Whether we are committing to a person or simply being intentional in life, our word should be a cherished commodity. This month, journey with me in ‘I Do’ moments which are an oath, a vow, a pact, a pledge, an honorarium.