Good morning! As we step into Friday 27th September 2024, let’s pause and reflect on a special event that occurs today: World Tourism Day. Established by the United Nations in 1980, this day encourages us to explore the world, learn from other cultures, and appreciate the diversity of our planet. Travel, in its many forms, has a way of broadening our perspectives and bringing people together. It reminds us of the incredible beauty and diversity of God’s creation.
But here’s the twist—World Tourism Day isn’t just about travelling to far-off lands. As Christians, we are all on a journey—a spiritual journey, one of growth, discovery, and deeper connection with God and each other. The beauty of this journey is that it’s not meant to be travelled alone. God created us to live in community—to lean on one another, build each other up, and walk together as we grow in faith.
The Power of Togetherness
In today’s world, we often glorify independence, don’t we? We’re taught to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps, to rely on no one. But the Bible paints a different picture: one of interdependence. Just as tourism connects us with new places and people, we are called to connect with one another in our spiritual journeys.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 puts it beautifully: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
The truth is, we all stumble sometimes. Life throws its challenges our way, and it’s in those moments that having a faith-filled community around us makes all the difference. Whether it’s the support of friends, family, or your church family, God never intended for you to walk through this life alone.
Building Each Other Up
If you think about it, World Tourism Day is a celebration of connection—connection with new places, new people, and new experiences. In the same way, our spiritual lives are about connecting with each other and building each other up in faith.
Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”
This verse highlights the importance of gathering together. There’s a unique strength that comes from being part of a Christian community. It’s not just about turning up to church on Sundays or catching up with your small group during the week—it’s about being there for each other, lifting each other up in prayer, and speaking life into one another when the road gets tough.
Reflection Question with Action Step
Who is part of your faith journey?
Action Step: Take time today to thank God for the people who have walked alongside you in your journey. Reach out to someone from your church or circle of friends—send a message, make a call, or meet up. Pray together, encourage one another, and ask how you can support each other in the coming week.
A Moment to Reflect with an Encouraging Action
Today, on Friday 27th September 2024, let’s take a moment to reflect on the communities we’re a part of. World Tourism Day reminds us of the vastness of the world, but it also points to the importance of connection. Just as tourists find guidance from locals, we find strength in our Christian brothers and sisters. Don’t travel this life alone. Who can you encourage today? Who can you lift up in prayer or support in some way?
Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” We’re here to sharpen each other, to help each other become stronger and more like Christ.
