Is there unity in purpose?
It must be true. Why else would the enemy work so hard and so continuously to cause us to turn on one another? I think we get tripped up because of our interpretation of the purpose. Stop with the disharmony. Are we not all God’s people?
“Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”
“Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly be rewarded.” Mark 9:38-41 TNIV
As a believer you may not agree with the way things are done at the other church down the road, but it’s not your call. It’s not for you or me to judge. Honestly, when we all get to heaven I think we might be surprised who we see there. This divisive nature is hurting us. It gives the enemy another way to break down our relationships, our communities and our churches.
Relationships matter
Think about your most recent disagreement. Was it really that important? Was is worth ending a friendship? Is it going to matter a year from now? How about a month or one week? Did you walk away without even talking about it or did you just slip away hugging your newly formed hurt like a prized possession? Are you offended? It’s time to get over it. Yes, I said it. Get. Over. It.
“Together, we are a mighty force. Satan knows that.
And by remaining united, we let him feel that,” (Fervent p. 171).
When we’re all getting along and loving one another, it ticks the enemy off. It’s even more traumatic to him when we get to praying for one another, carrying the petitions of others to the throne of God. We need to pray for unity! Prayer is what eases the tensions and friction between us. It’s how the Holy Spirit knows how to minister to the ache, the annoyance, the sorrow, or any other discomfort within us.
There’s a reason Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” (src) Conflict is the problem and peace is a God given solution.
[tweetthis]Conflict is the problem and peace is a God given solution.[/tweetthis]
We are nearing the end of this book study. I am open to suggestions for another one. I have a few ideas, but I want to hear what you have in mind first.
Next Week
For Monday, read Amen (pages 183-190)
- Share this blog post, or your favorite quotes, with your friends by clicking the social media icons on the left side of this page.
