Devotions based on week 9 of Joy in the Journey: Peace (WATCH HERE)
Philippians 4:3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Peace comes when we focus on the reality that unifies us.
Even as Christians we can focus on the differences that divide us. Yes, there are differences when the truth of God’s Word has to be spoken with clarity and truth, even when it is not accepted.
But there are often issues around Gospel ministry that bring division for things that are not defined by God’s Word, but Satan uses it to cause divide between people. Music style, ministry leadership, paint color, financial focus and more can all create a lack of unity in a Christian congregation.
So how can we avoid being part of this?
Remember the same truth that Paul did when encouraging Euodia and Syntyche: Their names are written in the book of life…along with all his fellow Gospel workers.
“Whose names are in the book of life.”
One of the greatest blessings we share in Christ is that our name is written in the Lord’s book of life, assuring us we have an eternity with the Lord.
Remember of your brothers and sisters who have Jesus as their Savior: You are going to spend eternity with them.
Do you want to take the disagreement with you to the grave?
Do you want Satan to use the disagreement to prevent you from enjoying a relationship Christ created?
Do you want the Gospel to be impeded because you are unwilling to work to resolve a disagreement?
We are going to spend eternity together…let’s enjoy those relationships now!
Paul doesn’t express frustration, but passion for all those in the Philippian congregation to find unity and the peace it brings.
He doesn’t encourage ignoring it or dismissing or trying to superficially resolve the problem, but rather put start with the unity and destiny we share in Christ.
We all have received forgiveness and grace in Christ.
We all have an eternity in heaven to look forward to.
We all share a common purpose in Christ and the mission of the Gospel.
So I plead with you, to get along with your fellow church members, your brothers and sisters in Christ.
Take time to understand.
Take time to have a conversation.
Take time to find a path forward.
Why?
Satan would love to use your difference to cause division.
Satan would love to use your difference to discredit the Gospel.
Satan would love to use your difference to dismiss a relationship.
So don’t let Satan win.
The power of the Gospel unites us.
The reality of forgiveness is common to all of us.
The future of heaven is our eternity together.
So let’s make a commitment to our Savior and church family to do as Paul encouraged the Ephesians:
Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Apply: Are you in a disagreement with someone at your church? What step can you do to resolve that difference? Do you know someone in disagreement? How can you be used to help two others settle a disagreement?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the unity you build by your Spirit. Lead us to make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. AMEN.