When I used to play the French horn in a symphony, I had to practice. A lot! I was the section leader (first horn) and had a responsibility to make sure the horn section was ready. As a young leader, I made many mistakes by insisting that everyone be “as good as me.” As I grew older, I learned that the relationship with them was more important. I learned that getting along as people actually caused us to want to play better as a team. That took tact, respect, humility and patience.
We in the church are to “be a team” as the Body of Christ. We need to learn some of these same lessons of relationship, with God and with each other. When we do, we will find that unity “happens” and the Body of Christ functions as intended. Is it any wonder that Jesus said the two most important commandments were to love God and to love each other?!
SET APART Christ as Lord – Let it be plain to all that He holds this position. Let there be nothing and no one else vying for that place in your life. Only Christ paid the price to claim the throne, has the ability to carry it out and has our best interest in mind to qualify for the position of Lord!
ALWAYS – every day, every minute – be ready. This shows the importance of studying God’s word, so that we can give adequate answers. We are not simply to respond, “Because I feel this way or that”. We are to respond as Jesus did when tempted by Satan, with the Word of God.
YET – and while we are to be ready we must do it with gentleness and reverence. We need to exercise love. Not all believers are going to be at the same stage of development that you are or that I am. The Spirit of God brings each of us along as He reveals truths to us through the Word.
Our job is to explain why we believe what we believe…why we have the hope of eternal life through Christ Jesus…so that others will want to accept Him as well.
With gentleness, humility and patience…
Build each other up…
Aim for harmony…
SEEK FIRST THE
