The most important rule of being in or near a mosh pit (people pushing and shoving for fun to music): if someone falls, you help them up. You don’t wait, you don’t expect someone else to take care of it, you don’t ignore it because they brought it on themselves. If you are close and able you instantly reach out your hand. This sounds eerily like what we as the church are called to do.

Paul in Philippians 2:1-5 says it this way, “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to their own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…”

As Christians we know we are secure and stable in Christ, and from that platform we can reach out and help people who have stumbled. We must resist being so single minded that our goals and ambitions take priority over helping the people around us. Undeniably, helping people can be hard, and it might even cost us something.

Twice I’ve earned double black eyes in the process of helping someone who had fallen. We got their feet under them and as they stood up the top of their head went right against the bridge of my nose. Sure, it hurt in the moment, but I would do it again because no one deserves to be left on the floor.

Now I know, most of the people reading this will never find themselves in a mosh pit, and I honestly don’t recommend ever seeking one out. However, you can always find someone who could use your help if you keep your eyes open.

Let each of us look also to the interests of others. If someone falls down, help them up!