Oftentimes, the more people involved in a challenge, the greater the number and intensity of problems. Our carnality can drive us to compete rather than cooperate. Sometimes a person desires so strongly to be independent of this kind of community relationship that he separates himself in order to be completely free from the suspicions, distrust, offenses, and other hardships that occur within a group. To put it another way, it is similar to a soldier running away from the battlefield to protect himself. Read Romans 12:10. What does “in honor preferring one another” mean to you?

Read Isaiah 2: 6-12. In the New Testament, pride is in the Greek, huperephanos, which means "to show oneself above." It does not imply one that others look up to, but one who stands on his own self-created pedestal. Psychologists tell us that pride is actually a mark of inner inferiority and uncertainty, and such people compensate by over-emphasizing and flaunting the qualities they think they posses that will cause others to think well of them. Share how you have engaged in this type of behavior and praise God for the freedom you now enjoy.

Read Luke 12:48. Undoubtedly, God has given us much, more than we ever deserved. What we must ask ourselves is “What are we doing with it, and what is our attitude in doing it?” We need to be on guard against bitterness, which has been described as “unforgiveness grown up". We need to practice to be content in good times and hard times. Try giving something useful to someone you don’t like this week.

Read Hebrews 5:12-14. A baby contributes very little productivity to society. A newly begotten Christian contributes contagious joy but there is a lot of tread on the tires. This situation is remedied by growth. From unskilled to skilled, from oblivious and uncomprehending to discerning—a process happens. It is a vital part of the way of God. It is how He writes His laws into our hearts. Are you growing in the grace and the knowledge of Christ? Are you taking anyone else along with you?

Read 2 Corinthians 8:11-14. There is a group called “Sowers” – Servants On Wheels (www.sowerministry.org). Currently they are repairing a building at Living Waters camp. They drive around in RV’s and find ways to serve God by using their talents and resources. Discuss how you could train yourself to step outside your comfort zone and serve Christ. Give an example.