COEXISTING WITHIN THE BODY... AND BEYOND
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “And all who believed were together and had all things in common.” Acts 2:44, ESV
Theme: A healthy and unified group of believers was Jesus’ prayer for His Church.
SUPER TUESDAY?
There is nothing “super” to me about the election season. Perfectly nice, kind people begin to lash out and sling mud against opponents. Rational people develop irrational fears about their voting rights, the future of our country, and especially fear of what the “other” party will do to destroy us all. People talk about “holding their noses” to vote for one candidate, or “putting up with” their family members. Life Groups get tense when topics of guns, immigration, or civil rights are up for discussion. As for me, I stand with the Apostle James: “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be” (James 3:9-10, NIV).
LIVING IN LOVE
We have learned that we must coexist as members of the same body of Christ, no matter which side of the political aisle we choose—if we are to live as Jesus asked us to live. But we must go beyond “putting up with” each other, for God has called us to real love, real unity, even if we have different personalities and leanings.
Jesus prayed, not just for the Twelve, but for us, the ones who would come to believe Him after He ascended to heaven. The entire chapter of John 17 is called, “the High Priestly Prayer.” He prayed: “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:20-21, ESV). That is such a far cry from “tolerating” each other and avoiding real discussions that might cause anger.
In addition, we are called to love others outside the faith, so that they might be drawn to Jesus Christ. This week, I read a verse that surprised me. It is an Old Testament verse, but I am seeing it through New Testament eyes, and I see myself as “a Jew,” one of the Chosen People. “Thus says the Lord of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you'” (Zechariah 8:23, ESV). I want to be a poster child for the love of God, drawing others to Him. I want to live in such a way that the first thing anyone notices about me is the heart of love within me that flows from God’s love for me.
Make It Personal: Do you find it hard to coexist? (Yes, I know this is a bumper sticker and may be a trigger point for you. I am not asking you to agree; I'm talking about loving.) Take time to read 1 John 4:16 – 5:2 slowly. Now ask God to speak to you and then read the passage again. Pray as God would lead you and as He directs, but you might want to start here.
Pray: Lord, You know I have opinions. You know I am stubborn. You also know I believe in Truth, and I want to live for You. Help me not to become dogmatic, argumentative, and unloving... all for the sake of Truth and all in Your Name. I know that You are love. And that You are asking me to love all people, so that we might win some to salvation by our love for You and for them. In the lovely Name of Jesus, amen.
Read: John 17
Weekly Memory Verse: “...complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” Philippians 2:2 (ESV)