Unity, Despite Differences

I have been in leadership positions on the job and in various organizations. I have learned that meetings can effectively divide people and impede progress. When differing opinions are held, leadership can become divided. A shared vision and mission can help smooth those differences, but something more is needed. The leadership team needs to develop individual attributes that contribute to unity.

Ephesians 4:2-6 says, “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” True believers are called to unity with one another, bearing with one another in love. We are one body, just as our faith and hope is one, trusting in the one God who is over all and through all. We must ask the Father and Holy Spirit to build humility, gentleness, patience and love within us. And we must hold onto the one faith and hope that we have in Jesus Christ.

Foolishly Boasting

Most of our boasting about ourselves is pure foolishness. We often forget about those who helped and supported us in our achievements. It is like the football player who scores a touchdown and immediately goes into an elaborate and showy celebration on the field. He has forgotten the linemen who blocked, the quarterback who threw the pass, and the coaches who called the right play. Just like we forget to honor the God who gave us the abilities to achieve and put us in the position to achieve.

I Corinthians 1:28-29 says, “God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” When we feel low and ashamed, we remember that God knows our shame and still has chosen us. God will lift us up from our low state and make us shine in His glory. We should then remember to thank Him and praise Him for what He has done.

From The Source

The only sure way to obtain a pure product is to obtain it from the source. We see and hear advertisements for pure olive oil, pure water, and many other things. But then we look at the ingredients and see many other things included that make the product less than pure.

James 3:17 says, “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” The way to obtain something pure is to obtain it from the source. Pure wisdom comes from the source of all wisdom, that is God Almighty. Any other so called wisdom comes with a mixture of selfishness, arrogance, and error.

We Are of the Truth

I tend to be a bit gullible and believe whatever people tell me. This trait has cost me in terms of financial loss and personal hurt. Lies can be damaging. We tend to forget about the lies that our own hearts tell us. Our hearts may tell us that we are not capable of doing good or that we are unworthy. However, if we are trusting God, it is not about our abilities and character, it becomes about His power and trustworthiness.

I John 3:19-20 says, “By this shall we know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.” Our hearts may try to condemn us in at least two ways, First, our hearts may bring conviction for our sins. In this case, we simply confess our sins and trust in God’s atonement for our sins. Secondly, our hearts may lie and tell us that we are not worthy. In this case, we reject the lies and trust in God’s mercy and grace. In both cases, God is greater than our hearts and removes the condemnation.

Be On the Watch

In ancient times, many cities were fortified with walls that surrounded them. They set guards in towers and walked around the city to watch for approaching enemies. Guards also manned the city gates to allow entry to authorized persons. Today, many businesses employ security guards to do much the same thing. But on a personal level, we don’t take seriously the need to be on the watch for our souls.

Psalm 5:3 says, “O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.” If we start every day like this psalmist, we will be better prepared for the day ahead. So start your day with prayer, offer yourself for God’s service, and be on the lookout for what God is doing around you.