Wow! Where did that weekend go? It was like a water spout on Lake Michigan. It started with a fury and ended just as quick. This cup of Door County Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti is chasing the Monday Blues away with it's aroma. Let's go!
John 13:34-35English Standard Version (ESV)
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Did you know that when you put this verse into practice you are literally making a profession of your faith. This message today is dedicated to those Christians who are members of a church. We are to be kind to others and show the love of Jesus Christ to the world. Now part of that world is our own churches and the members within. We are to be happy with those who are happy. We are to comfort those who mourn. We are to share with one another. We are to be of one mind and Spirit. At no time is the membership, nor the leadership to be divided. We are to speak the Word to one another. This is the way that God's Kingdom and the fellowship of believers is built up. The Heavenly Kingdom is not divided and the body of the Earthly church should strive to not be divided either. When we are divided we waste precious time that could be spent helping others to see the love of Jesus in action. When division occurs the best time spent in making a point or seeing another's point of view is to forget both and look at what God's view is. A church or it's leadership that can't see God's view has lost everything. It is like the dry bones spoken of in Ezekiel.
Philippians 2:2New International Version (NIV)
2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
I believe when there is strife within the church or it's leadership, that three things could be missing. The lack of time spent with the Word allowing it to permeate the heart and failure to obey what God has said. The third one that creeps in is the love of self and wanting our own way. At this occurrence we could be accused of "losing our first love". We are in love with self and not on fire in love with God. We need to be reminded that God's call does not always align with our desires. If that were so Paul would have continued to persecute Christians and not die as a martyr. We must all work to the good of the Kingdom at all times. A man would not have suffered for the sins of others.
I wonder if God attended the business and staff meetings in many churches, if He would stop the meeting and lead all of the members in the "Sinners Prayer Of Salvation"? Could we be prosecuted of not living John13:34-35 in God's court just by our business and staff meetings? Or would God say "Well done, My Faithful Servants?
Just a little food for thought!
Marty
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