Marriner’s Moments: The ‘RE’ of ‘We’: Making a Positive Impact Together – Part I

By Pastor Melvin O. Marriner

Grove Church

PORTSMOUTH

“RE” means “again” or “again and again.” It originates from the Latin language and is often used as a prefix to indicate once more, afresh or anew.  As we prepare to close the door on 2015 and welcome in 2016, I encourage each of you to ponder the “RE of We.”  In other words, what are those things – relationships, promises, prayers, goals or commitments – in our lives that “we” need to change, REdefine, RE-energize or REvisit to make things better, bigger, bolder or bearable?  Simply put, we may need a “do-over.”  We may also need to do better or – to borrow from Nike’s slogan – “just do it!”

Focusing on the “RE” of ‘we’ may involve a RE-assessment or REcommitment to ourselves, others, or Christ!  It may also call for us to REdedicate ourselves to something or someone – our spouse, family, prayer, ministry or the community.  Whatever YOUR ‘RE’ is, the New Year offers us a perfect launching pad for a new start or a clean slate.  

Why then, you may ask, does my RE involve “WE?”  First, no man (or woman) is an island and – directly or indirectly – our words, actions and deeds, typically involve or affect others.  Interestingly enough, the quote “no man is an island” is attributed to a Christian named John Donne (1572-1631). He wrote this phrase in a devotional message referring to how our lives affect one another. Paul writes about the same notion of our lives being intertwined in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31.  Consequently, since we are all part of the body of Christ, our lives affect one another. 

With the New Year just around the corner, what is your “RE of We” for 2016?

Peace and power,

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© Dr. Melvin O. Marriner, November 2015 

We invite you to join us at Grove Church, 5910 West Norfolk Road, Portsmouth, Virginia, Sundays at 8am and 10:30 a.m., Tuesdays at noon and Wednesdays at 7 p.m.