“Is any sick among you? Let him call for the
elders of the church…” James 5:14
A born-again experience in no way gives promise of complete health
and strength. Because of our humanity, all of us are prone to
sickness and weakness. Not only are there times that we get
physically sick, there are times in life that we have spiritual
needs and weaknesses. Our ultimate help and source of strength is
found in Christ Jesus. But we are also instructed that there are
times when we need reinforcement from our brothers and sisters in
Christ.
The scripture says that the one that is sick should call for the
elders of the church. This does not mean that every time someone has
a need, they should call an elder. Some people are so dependent on
the elders that they fail to look to God for themselves. But this
does not negate the fact that there are times when, in weakness, our
physical, emotional, and spiritual resources are drained and we need
help. Rather than to struggle on alone, God has placed members in
the body to be mutually supportive. It is not a sign of spiritual
weakness to call for help, rather it is wise and expedient. Many
people have lost their battle of faith when they have tried to fight
without the help of saints. It takes humility to ask someone for
help. Never be too proud to acknowledge a need and seek advice,
council, and an agreement in prayer. There is power found in the
humility and acknowledgement of a need.
Consider the story of Moses when the children of Israel were in
battle. “And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hands, that
Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under
him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the
one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands
were steady until the going down of the sun.” Exodus 17:11-12
Moses was human as we all are. He got weary of holding up his hands.
We too can be in this place after extended battles. Moses allowed
his brethren to come and help him in the battle that they might be
victorious. With all of Moses’ good intentions, the battle would
have been lost if he wouldn’t have accepted help.
Sometimes people get in a battle and criticize and blame the elders
because they weren’t there with them. The scripture in James places
the responsibility on the one that is in need to call. If someone
isn’t there for you, don’t accuse them for not caring or supporting
you if you haven’t called them.
Let us all acknowledge that we do need the brethren, and there are
going to be times that we need to call. Let us not resist the help
of others, but humble our hearts that we might have victory in time
of our weakness.
