Taking The Gloves Off?

The expression “taking the gloves off” is generally a reference to taking the fight out of the ring, exposing the hard knuckles for a harder blow against a challenger. It is the act of getting down to serious personal fighting; skin against skin. However, yesterday the idea took on a much gentler and kinder meaning. As I was out on my long walk, I met an older gentleman whom I have met regularly on my walks, but had not seen for a while. Yesterday, rather than walking on past each other with our usual greetings, we stopped, our “gloves came off”, and we shook hands and talked about how things had been going and how good it was to see each other again. Certainly we could have shaken hands with gloved hands, but we both slipped “the gloves off” for a more personal connection. It was a simple act, yet it struck me as being very meaningful.

We connect with others on varying levels. Some of those CONNECTIONS may be just a smile, a wave, or a quick “good morning” as we pass. Even a passing cheerful disposition can make a difference for others whose paths we may cross. Then there are those we may meet that we just have to stop (even if it is only for a moment) to CONNECT more personally. Such may be the beginning or the continuation of a CONNECTION of which only God may know what it will ultimately become.

Jesus CONNECTED with people in various ways. His teaching and His miracles impacted lives in ways that were life changing. Our CONNECTION with Him today should still have a life changing affect. Jesus had power to speak the words and heal even at a distance. (i.e. Matthew 8:5-13) However, there was one situation where Jesus chose to touch, a CONNECTION I imagine was very meaningful to the leper who received it. ( Matthew 8:2-3)

Different countries have different manners in which others are greeted. A handshake is a common greeting, creating a physical CONNECTION. Some handshakes are very firm while others may be gentle. That we would take the time to CONNECT with another acknowledges a sense of value. The power of such should not be underestimated. However, there are CONNECTIONS which we ought to recognize as going very deep because of what is shared.

Paul, writing to the church at Galatia commented about a reception he had received.
“and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, THEY GAVE THE RIGHT HAND OF FELLOWSHIP TO BARNABAS AND ME, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.” ( Galatians 2:9 ESV)

This reference is not to merely a handshake. There was a sharing in the labors of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus. The extension of the “right hand of fellowship” was a validation or endorsement of the focus of the labors of the Apostles in Jerusalem to the circumcised and Paul’s work of reaching out to the uncircumcised. There was no competition between them as they were proclaiming the same Gospel to their respective audiences.

There is no greater CONNECTION we can have than that of agreeing together in carrying out the work of the Lord in accordance with His Will. If there is competition, it is with the devil who is also attempting to claim souls for himself. CONNECTING with each other in the truth of God and with others with the message of salvation in Christ should be the personal desire of us all. May the “gloves come off” that we may touch others for their benefit and the glory of God.

Have a great day PERSONALLY CONNECTING WITH OTHERS FOR GODLY PURPOSES!
Carl

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