Attaining Unity Through Peace (Day Twenty-Six)

It's easy to get defensive and try and protect oneself when others nit-pick your actions or opinions. Never wanting a marred reputation, a wrong impression, or someone's view of us to be shattered, all too quickly in a panic we can plead and argue our case. This is especially true when it comes to our motives being called into question.

When people criticize you for your actions - that's one thing, but when they start to analyze what's on the inside - that's when it's even harder to accept. It's something we all need work on because even though these are normal feelings and reactions to have, it's how we deal with them that counts.

Are we responding with humility and gentleness? Do we allow God to be our judge and jury in these times or do we tend to take matters into our own hands? Can you receive slander, jealousy, unfair treatment, or criticism without bitterness or complaining, realizing that God knows your heart and the motives behind your actions? When we are defensive at an unhealthy level (arguing, being the one that has to "be right"...), that causes division which is contrary to having peace and unity with one another. 

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together in peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3

Throughout history we see evidence of our world being divided and filled with no peace, no real LOVE, and no unity. This is still true to this day, but this is not God's intention. As the body of Christ, we should bear evidence to this fragmented world that we are joined together in loving unity. They should be able to look within our walls and see many members (Romans 12:4-5) working together as one. If all they stumble upon is dissension, hostility, division, and separation...how will they see true love manifested in our very lives?

Bond in Greek Lexicon is the word "Sundesmos" which means: that which binds together, a band, bond of ligaments by which the members of the human body are united together; that which is bound together, a bundle.

Peace is the binding element that will maintain the unity the Holy Spirit has produced. We must break down those great divides that prevent us from achieving and maintaining unity with one another, and in doing Christ will be rightly manifested to the world.

As we are reminded in John 14:7 "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you" (NKJV).

Love,
Ashley

Love in Unity (Day Twenty-Five)

“Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”

Philippians 2:2-4 (NASB)

Here, we see Paul making a personal request for unity, of the Philippians.  If he were around today, I’m sure he would admonish us to do the same.  Look about.  You can find too many people motivated by their own selfish-ambitions or pride.  Everywhere we see individuals calling attention to themselves not just out of a desire to advance, but in order to look good as well. 

Do you belong to Facebook?

This is a great place to publish comments about our self-interests and ambitions.  In verse three of our scripture it warns us not to do anything out of “empty conceit.”  Dictionary.com describes “conceit” as an excessively favorable opinion of one’s own ability.”  In other words, this could be translated as empty praise or glory.  Have you read any posts that give credence to someone describing a favorable opinion of their interests or preoccupations?  What about the individuals who aggressively ram their ideas and opinions off on others?  If we aren’t reading a post, we have pictures to view that record someone’s every move.

Paul continues to describe what our motives should look like… “with humility of mind” and regarding, or esteeming, others above ourselves.  That is so contrary to our society’s belief system!  In order to feel good about ourselves, we are to hold onto the value that we are superior.  This validates our mindset to stoop and undertake actions we normally wouldn’t entertain while face-to-face with others.  The Social Media sites are a great way for some to hide behind a mask and allow the corruption residing deep within their wicked hearts to be poured out…so often at the risk of hurting others.  Here is a site where they can dump out the sludge that otherwise wouldn’t be heard.  How contrary to what we are told about looking out for the needs and concerns of others.

Do you sometimes suffer from a selfish spirit?

As we look out for the needs of others and regard them as more important we are giving up our rights and placing their needs above our own.  A selfish spirit is disparaging of Christian love.  Only by having His mind and displaying Christ’s example will we be in a position of demonstrating sincere Christian Love.    

Forever His,

Anita