TODAY’S WORD FOR MONDAY APRIL 24, 2017.
UNITY
DEFINITION:
The state of being one; harmony among elements; agreement; absence of strife and diversity.
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. Psalm 133:1.
Being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:2-5
Unity does just not happen. It takes work. Just ask any married couple. None of us are ever going to be perfect here on earth so we must accept others, both believers in Jesus and non-believers, as they are in spite of their faults. This does not mean we should compromise in our obedience to God’s commandments.
Jesus and His Father were in perfect unity. In John 10:30 Jesus said of their relationship, “I and My Father are one.” It was the desire of Jesus that there would be unity among His disciples and believers when He said, as recorded in John 17:20-21, “My prayer is not for them alone (His disciples). I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You.”
We all have differences of opinion and ideas but believers in Jesus must not let their differences divide them. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to build unity among believers, but we as individuals must be willing to be led and let the Holy Spirit do His perfect work in us.
If Jesus was concerned about unity among believers in those days, just think how much more so He is now. The whole world is in a state of turmoil and division. God is not the author of turmoil and confusion. His desire is for us to dwell together in unity.
Unity must begin with the body of believers and in the homes of these believers. This is a real challenge for parents today because of the corruption and negative influences of our society today. It is everywhere and television and social media brings it right into our homes. Unity in the home begins with love, love that is Christ-like and love that is unselfish. This love will bring harmony and a desire to work together to accomplish common goals.
The Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians chapter 2 that as believers the way to bring unity to our family is through humility and a Christ-like attitude. He tells us that we must be like minded and be united in spirit and purpose. We are not to do things out of selfish ambition or conceit. We are to put others before ourselves. Paul’s last but most important word of advice is concerning our attitude. He says, “your attitude should be the same as that of Christ.”
Take time now to evaluate your priorities. Do you love your family? Do you have a Christ-like home? Do you esteem others better then yourself? Is your family in one accord on issues you face together? Is your attitude the same as Jesus Christ?
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 16:3.
Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.
Help me to be obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit in my life so that I will be a peacemaker in my home, my workplace, my church and my community. May I encourage others to live in unity governed by a Christ-like attitude of love and humility.
 |
| Special Price Only $10.00 Click Here for More |
ONE FINAL SUGGESTION.
If you have not received your FREE BOOKMARK from us, please click on either:
or
Write Ken and Dottie a note
And we will send one to you.
It includes 10 golden rules for a happy family.
It includes 10 golden rules for a happy family.
