| Original Date: February 17, 2010 |
| Email Subject: Working together for His glory |
Dear Friends,
Unity is a subject that is often bantered about, people wanting it but not willing to pay the price to have it either in the home or the Church of Jesus Christ. It is sad to see Christ followers who should know better at odds with each other over insignificant issues and things. I read a long while ago that the two issues that most often split churches today is the color of carpet on the floor or the color of paint on the walls. Both as you can see deeply theological issues.NOT!
I appreciate what the Apostle Paul teaches in Ephesians 4:3, "That we are to be diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Note it does not say produce the unity of the Spirit, or manufacture the unity of the Spirit, but preserve! It takes effort on our part as Christ followers to work from unity toward unity of the Spirit. Note if you will, the first two vs.'s of this text, "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness with patience showing forbearance to one another in love." The first part of the text gives us the character essentials necessary to "preserve unity." I don't find it happenstance that the first one is the hardest, humility. Have you noticed that "Selfishness destroys----but Selflessness builds?" It is so true no matter if it is in the home, church or workplace, selfishness is quite destructive, but selflessness builds.
Unity is already there, will I preserve it with my character, conduct and speech?
I heard this poem from Edgar Guest many years ago that is worth sharing here entitled "Time for all to Pull Together." "I watched them tearing a building down, a gang of men in a busy town. With a ho-heave-ho and a lusty yell. They swung a beam and a side wall fell. I asked the foreman, "are these men skilled? And the men you'd hire if you had to build?" He gave a laugh and said, "No indeed!" Just common labor is all we need." "I can easily wreck in a day or two what builders have taken a year to do." And I thought to myself as I went my way, Which of these roles have I Tried to play? Am I a builder who works with care, measuring life by the rule and square? Am I shaping my deeds to a well made plan, patiently doing the best I can? Or am I a wrecker, who walks the town, content with the labor of tearing down?"
The easy and natural thing to do is be a part of the wrecking crew, complaining about this or that, neglecting my responsibility and putting the blame on others around us when things don't happen that should in the home, church or work that honor Christ. Friends would you join me in being a part of the "Building Crew" for His glory? It sure isn't the easiest road to take, but it is the best! This world we live in so desperately needs to see great examples of building strong homes, being a part of the building of strong churches for His glory and providing an environment at work that is not only safe but productive. Our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ sure is worth it!
Have a great rest of the week,
Pastor Doug |
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