shortlady
Member
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2005
- Messages
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Tug-Of-War
Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. —Philippians 2:2
About this cover
A college in our area has an interesting annual rite—a tug-of-war. Two teams train and prepare to pull together on their end of the rope to win the competition, hoping to avoid the mud-pit between the teams and gain campus bragging rights for another year. For a fun competition, it can become intense.
As believers in Jesus, we often face the challenge of learning how to pull together. Self-interest, personal agendas, and power struggles get in the way of genuine ministry and hinder the work of Christ.
Such was the case in Paul’s letter to the Philippians, where he had to plead with Euodia and Syntyche to “be of the same mind” (4:2). Their personal friction created a roadblock to their spiritual service, and their “tug-of-war” was harming the life of the church.
Paul’s appeal was for them to pull together and work for the honor of the Master. It is an appeal that serves us well today. When we feel distanced from our fellow believers, we must look for the common ground we have in the Savior.
Church is no place for a tug-of-war. It’s imperative that we work together for the advancement of God’s kingdom. He can use us in wonderful ways when we lay aside our personal differences and pull together on the rope. —Bill Crowder
I pray, O Lord, reveal to me
If I have caused disunity,
For You would have Your children one
In praise and love for Your dear Son. —Branon
A believer at war with another Christian cannot be at peace with the Father.
Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. —Philippians 2:2
About this cover
A college in our area has an interesting annual rite—a tug-of-war. Two teams train and prepare to pull together on their end of the rope to win the competition, hoping to avoid the mud-pit between the teams and gain campus bragging rights for another year. For a fun competition, it can become intense.
As believers in Jesus, we often face the challenge of learning how to pull together. Self-interest, personal agendas, and power struggles get in the way of genuine ministry and hinder the work of Christ.
Such was the case in Paul’s letter to the Philippians, where he had to plead with Euodia and Syntyche to “be of the same mind” (4:2). Their personal friction created a roadblock to their spiritual service, and their “tug-of-war” was harming the life of the church.
Paul’s appeal was for them to pull together and work for the honor of the Master. It is an appeal that serves us well today. When we feel distanced from our fellow believers, we must look for the common ground we have in the Savior.
Church is no place for a tug-of-war. It’s imperative that we work together for the advancement of God’s kingdom. He can use us in wonderful ways when we lay aside our personal differences and pull together on the rope. —Bill Crowder
I pray, O Lord, reveal to me
If I have caused disunity,
For You would have Your children one
In praise and love for Your dear Son. —Branon
A believer at war with another Christian cannot be at peace with the Father.
