What it really takes to be united as one.
(Matt 5:13) "You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt loses its flavour, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men" - This verse refers to the inner qualities of being a Christian; Jesus wants us to be the salt of the earth for it has 'special' flavour and the ability to preserve. But how can this be manifested through our actions? By maturity - not in the sense of 'age maturity' but to be spiritually mature.
(Eph 4:4) "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling." - It is true that we are all one body in accordance to Christ, and we must always strive to do the right part for the body that we have received from Him. In Eph 2:10, Paul reminded the believers that they were of God's 'workmanship' and that they should know how to behave - when we look at our lives now we tend to forget our purpose and that is why Paul did what he had to do.
Our purpose is to live for God; as we do things not to glorify ourselves but for the honour and glorification of Jesus Christ alone. In every thing that we do, we must keep a God-centred heart and mind so that the peace that we have been given inside will not be corrupted.
As brothers and sisters, we must learn to forgive and to forbear, for it states in (Col 3:14), love is 'the bond of perfection'. If we do not have love, every thing that we do for the Lord is empty and dimensionless. Though if that love exists, making sacrifices like our time for the sake of other brethren can be copable. In prayer we must remember to ask God for strength and devoid ourselves so that we may be filled by Him. We must attain an imperforate love for others; forgetting the disputes between each other and grasp on to the concept of knowing that through perilous times, God is present and is constantly abiding in us. There are many responsibilites and often we are unable to finish because we lack courage, and because we lack this courage it prevents us from completing the task. In yesterday's service, when Brother Ken talked about having an 'uncircumcised heart' (Acts 7:51) and this 'uncircumcision' is associated to our hearts hardening; when our hearts harden, our ears will then refuse to listen. That is why it is vital to constantly nurture ourselves in godly conduct so that we can resist the fleshly desires instead of resisting the Holy Spirit. The sins of the heart are our greatest enemy and this can cause us to be weak, that is why sometimes when people sin against us, we find it hard to love them as well as doing the work for God and that is an exact implentation of giving in to fleshly desires.
(Ecc 4:9-12) "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to hi who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken."
For those who labour hard and willingly for love with others will find delight and fulfillment. The unity within the brethren shows compromise and potency in holding each other up; thereby the power of God will emanate through us. Through all of these things, love is the main ingredient in succesfully maintaining the union. Any strife or conflicts between each other should be subjected out of our hearts and accept one another because after all we are one in Jesus Christ.
(Ps 133:1) "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"
In summary;-
- We are all fighting one spiritual battle and as we all stand together in unity we can overcome anything through the grace of God.
- Love one another just as Jesus has commanded us to do so.
- Make peace to those who has offended you and pray for each other.
- Continue to serve Christ and do His work.
- UNITY UNITY UNITY!
For this week, do reflect on how we can work together as one for the growth of the church!