Page 53 - Living Light - A Message of Joy!

Monday January 29 - Of the same mind
I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Philippians 4:2
So, we do our best to stand firm. But no man (or woman) is an island; we are all connected, particularly Christians who are all part of the vast living network of the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). Now we don’t know who Euodia and Syntyche were, but it must have grieved the Lord to see them in some sort of dispute. This is why he has placed us in this Body, so that we can address such situations and help to bring much needed harmony.
Now we have no idea what they were disagreeing about, but we recognise the situation, as the Bible is full of similar disputes. The very first was between Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1-16), which ended in tragedy. Then we had Abram and Lot (Genesis 13:5-18), followed by a whole gallery of squabbles throughout the Old and New Testaments. Even Jesus’ disciples were prone to a bit of moaning (Luke 9:46). Sad to say, this is just human behaviour, but we need to rise above it.
One area of conflict in the Church is over doctrine. This is why we have so many denominations and so many theological disagreements. We would do well to read Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 6:3-5. Here he implores us to advance God’s work through love and a sincere faith, rather than ‘promoting controversial speculation’.
Father in heaven, help me to fix my eyes on Jesus and not on my own personal thoughts and agendas. Amen.
Tuesday January 30 - Help each other
Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel... Philippians 4:3
Yesterday we encountered a disagreement between two women and now the stakes are apparent; their conflict is not doing them – or the gospel – any favours. And this is where God’s beautiful construct, the Body of Christ, kicks in. We are called to help each other, as Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12:25-26, ‘...but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it.’ We are all in this together.
We must seek to help each other in all sorts of ways – through encouragement, guidance, prayer, teaching and so on. In the Book of Acts, Barnabas was such a person, a great encourager to the Church at Antioch; ‘he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts’ (see Acts 11:22-24).
Returning to my personal situation, my ability to stand firm at the residential workshop was greatly enhanced by the support of fellow believers, through their prayers and encouragement. It may seem, at times, that we are alone, but truly we are not – there are vast spiritual resources on tap for us. It is a blessing to be helped in such ways but it is, perhaps, a greater blessing to help others. Is God speaking to you now on this issue?
Father in heaven, please bring to mind anyone who I am in a position to help today. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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