We have talked about the abounding enthusiasm of Tigger. Then we talked about Pooh and how he always puts others over himself. Then there is Rabbit. His personality is totally different than that of Pooh or Tigger.
Rabbit does have his good points. He is a great planner and is very organized. Whenever the friends in the Hundred Acre Wood plan any kind of event, Rabbit takes control. He wants everything to be just right. Rabbit works hard. He doesn't ask his friends to do anything that he wouldn't do himself.
On the other hand, poor Rabbit tends to a bit bossy. He wants everyone to do everything his way. When the others try to help him carry out his plan -- and they don't carry it out just exactly right - then Rabbit gets upset. And if he can't be in charge - well then he had rather just not take part at all. Unfortunately, Rabbit spends time sulking when things don't go exactly his way. That is until someone in the group gives Rabbit a wake up call and reminds him not to take himself so seriously. For the love of the group - and before too much sulking and too much damage to any friendship takes place, Rabbit comes around and realizes the error of his ways. His friends, who really do love him, forgive him for being so overbearing.
In Rabbit's defense, the reason he wants everything to be perfect is for the benefit of the entire group. And he works hard for everyone. One of the mistakes he makes is that everyone has their own version of perfect. One of the frustrations he has is that no one seems to appreciate all the work he has done for them. But as I said, Rabbit also eventually realizes that not everything has to be his way and not everything has to be exactly perfect; for there is a certain joy that comes from working together toward a common goal. The realization that everyone is taking part and that everyone has put their own personal touch on any project makes it "their" project - not his alone. That after all, is far better -- because he realizes the beauty and talent of each individual.
OK - well Robin - how does this really apply to us? The truth of the matter is that we all have our good sides and our bad sides. Yet we all have things we can do for the Lord. Rabbit may get carried away from time to time, but ultimately he realizes he is wrong. His love for the group overcomes his weaknesses and he is out there working for the benefit of all once again. And because all the friends in these stories have a great love and friendship for one another - they overlook each other's flaws. They love Rabbit for who he is and when he gets out of line - one or several - of his friends love him enough to go to him and bring him back in line. Isn't this the way the family of God is supposed to be? I think the Bible says something about what to do when you have ought against your brother. And although most problems aren't solved within the 30 minute time frame of a cartoon show - going to your fellow Christian is a start.
So we can learn some lessons from our friend, Rabbit. First of all, the church needs people with Rabbit's talents; but certainly not his temperament. We can learn both how to be and how NOT to be from the example of Rabbit.
We need to be hardworking for the Lord. We should be willing to volunteer our talents in service to Him. Christians who can plan and organize need to channel those skills into working for God by helping their local congregations with Vacation Bible School, gospel meetings, etc. We need to make sure we are doing our best because it is after all, work for the Lord. And the work we do should be for love - the love of God and our fellow Christians.
So now what do we learn from Rabbit about how not to be? We should never be harsh or critical; but we should be kindhearted. We should be supportive and encouraging to others about their work. We should not insist on having things our own way; but rather we should understand that if God gave us the capacity for good ideas that others will have good ideas too. We should respect the talents and abilities of others. We should not always want to be in control, but we should be willing to follow too. And finally, we should never allow ourselves to become so upset that we pull away from helping our congregation altogether. After all, if we pull away - who are we pulling away from? Well, this is the body of Christ we are talking about. We don't hurt anyone with our negative attitudes except the Lord and ourselves. It is our Savior we are pulling away from.
Lastly, we can learn love from these friends in the Hundred Acre Wood. We can learn about loving one another so much that we are willing to talk to one another when problems arise. We should emulate these characters in that they go out of their way to make things right. They appreciate each other for who they are ... they love each other enough not to hold grudges and they look past each other's faults to the value of the person beneath. Instead of keeping a feud going - they understand the importance of reminding each other what is important -- their love for each other. By loving one another they bring glory to God.
So whatever you do -- do it as if you are working for the Lord. Do everything in His name. Love and support your church family as you go through this life together. Understand that the same Christ who died for you -- died for all those in your congregation too. Respect each other's talents and learn to work together. The bond you build with your church family as you happily and lovingly work with one another to build up the church will be priceless.
Christ above all things,
Robin
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