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Friday, July 1, 2005
"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3).
Each summer here in Pennsylvania there is a huge Christian music festival in the mountains. In fact it's being held right now and we have several friends who are in attendance. Brooksyne and I, along with many from our church in northern PA, used to attend in the eighties, but there came a point for us that camping out, using port-a-potties, and dealing with tens of thousands of people in an outdoor setting lost its appeal!
We had a young congregation, as we had planted the church right after graduating from Bible College in the late seventies. I've always had a sense of humor and when you're younger you tend to be a bit more daring in expressing yourself. I sure was! I suggested having our picture taken as if we were all going to use the potty at the same time and humorously use it to illustrate church unity. We initially placed the photo up on a bulletin board with the inscription "We do things together at AGAPE" (the name of the church).
If only maintaining unity was that easy. But we know it's not. I just received an email from a young man who grew up in our ministry who will soon be leaving for mission service in Peru. He shared of nasty division afflicting the church he now attends. During my 25 years in pastoral ministry I sure recall the times (thankfully few) when division hit the church. Let me tell you, it's especially hard for the pastor.
Strife and division afflicts not only churches but families, ministries and of course countries. And consider the many international conflicts as well. Since the first social strife between Cain and Abel the human race has been plagued by division. The apostle Paul appeals; "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Maintaining unity does require persistent effort. Essential qualities are found in the preceding verse, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
Today in your sphere of impact and influence I appeal to you to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. I have a perspective in life that increasingly sees the long-term blessing of unity in my marriage, family and spiritual relationships. May that be your blessing as well!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen C. Weber
Friday, July 1, 2005
"Unity"
"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3).
Each summer here in Pennsylvania there is a huge Christian music festival in the mountains. In fact it's being held right now and we have several friends who are in attendance. Brooksyne and I, along with many from our church in northern PA, used to attend in the eighties, but there came a point for us that camping out, using port-a-potties, and dealing with tens of thousands of people in an outdoor setting lost its appeal!
We had a young congregation, as we had planted the church right after graduating from Bible College in the late seventies. I've always had a sense of humor and when you're younger you tend to be a bit more daring in expressing yourself. I sure was! I suggested having our picture taken as if we were all going to use the potty at the same time and humorously use it to illustrate church unity. We initially placed the photo up on a bulletin board with the inscription "We do things together at AGAPE" (the name of the church).
If only maintaining unity was that easy. But we know it's not. I just received an email from a young man who grew up in our ministry who will soon be leaving for mission service in Peru. He shared of nasty division afflicting the church he now attends. During my 25 years in pastoral ministry I sure recall the times (thankfully few) when division hit the church. Let me tell you, it's especially hard for the pastor.
Strife and division afflicts not only churches but families, ministries and of course countries. And consider the many international conflicts as well. Since the first social strife between Cain and Abel the human race has been plagued by division. The apostle Paul appeals; "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Maintaining unity does require persistent effort. Essential qualities are found in the preceding verse, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
Today in your sphere of impact and influence I appeal to you to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. I have a perspective in life that increasingly sees the long-term blessing of unity in my marriage, family and spiritual relationships. May that be your blessing as well!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen C. Weber
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Scripture
references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version.
©
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BIBLE®,
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permission;
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