Water Cooler Conversations
January 8, 2008
By Greg Ebie
At one time or another we have all been a part of a "water
cooler" conversation. You know what that is, don't you? That's when a
group of people gathers for a few minutes on a work break or between classes at
school to talk. Many times someone standing at the water cooler will begin to
talk about somebody who isn't there.
What would happen if you were the one absent at the water
cooler? How would your co-workers and friends talk about you? How might your
family talk about you when you are not home? Or dare I even think it -- how
might people at church talk about you when you aren't there?
"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my
prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in
the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who
began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ
Jesus" (Philippians 1:3-6, NIV).
When Paul stood at the "water cooler" of prayer
with God he always remembered the people at the church in Philippi with joy.
Why did Paul's heart overflow with thanksgiving for the people in this church
so that he only had good things to say about them? He lists two important
reasons.
First, these folks were partners in the gospel with Paul;
they came alongside to help him do the work God had called him to do. Will
people think of you with joy because you have treated them with kindness,
coming alongside them to assist them? Do you encourage people with what you
say? Or do you make their lives (and work) harder by the things you do and say?
Second, Paul was confident of God's work being done within
the Philippian church. Paul could see God's hand upon their lives. Do people
see evidence of God at work in your life? Are you maturing as a believer? Is
there a difference in the way you talk? Are you more patient, loving and kind?
Are you demonstrating self-control?
If you don't like what you have heard people saying about
you, don't blame them; take a look in the mirror first. Do you see in yourself
what Paul saw in the folks at Philippi? If not, what are you going to do about
it?
-- D. Greg Ebie is senior pastor of Praise Assembly of God
in Garrettsville, Ohio, and an author of Daily Bread devotionals.
