Tuesday, May 23, 2006

CHALLENGE 3

" ' All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other' (John 13:35) Could it be that unity is the key to reaching the world for Christ? If unity is the key to evangelism, shouldn't it have precedence in our prayers? Should we, as Paul said, 'make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace' (Eph 4:3)? If unity matters to God, then shouldn't unity matter to us? If unity is a priority in heaven, then shouldn't it be a priority on earth?
Nowhere, by the way, are we told to build unity. We are told simply to keep unity.....Unity does not need to be created; it needs to be protected.
...How do we do that? Does that mean we compromise our convictions?....abandon the truths we cherish?...it does mean we look long and hard at the attitudes we carry."--In The Grip Of Grace, Max Lucado.

4 comments:

KayMac said...

I cannot think of any human relationship that isn't going to fail us from time to time. In any long-term relationship, it's an inevitable fact of human nature that we will disappoint and be disappointed. But good relationships are not maintained by always being in each other's good graces and fulfilling all expectations. Relationships are maintained by being committed to staying together through all kinds of weather. A lasting relationship has to be able to tolerate a number of mistakes and disappointments.--John Fischer/Purpose Driven Life Devotional

Tracey, in MI said...

well said.

KayMac said...

Wow. Good points EJ. We can get more caught up in being right, defending God when we might really even know His position on a thing, but think we do, rather than loving as He loves and who He loves. (This is a great reminder for me, personally. thanks)

KayMac said...
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