Thoughts for 24 February

 Philippians 2:1-2

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ?  Any comfort from his love?  Any fellowship together in the Spirit? 

Are your hearts tender and sympathetic?  Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose.  

When I think back over the years and right up to the present time, I have been involved in matters related to Church life whether that be in the Boys Brigade, Kirk Session or Presbytery.  There were always issues to be discussed and decisions that had to be made and, invariably, some of the folks involved in the discussion had different views.  When a decision was eventually reached, usually based on a majority verdict, it left some satisfied and left others disgruntled or resentful.  Some would say that this is just democracy in action and that it is the fairest way for outcomes to be determined. 

This passage had made me think differently about how we reach decisions that affect our Church, can we honestly say that when we are trying to decide on the best way forward for our Church that we are: ‘working together with one heart and purpose’?  If our answer to this question is not 100% positive, we need to stop, pray for guidance and be prepared to make our future decisions on this basis alone with a total disregard to any ulterior influences or distractions.  This is what we are told through the Holy Scriptures.  We cannot be selective and only take heed of parts of Scripture that suit us.  We need to try our level best to do those things and behave in those ways that may not come naturally to us, but they are how God wants us to think and behave. 

Being a Christian is not akin to being constantly wrapped in a big furry blanket that fends of all the upsets and challenges that the world throws at us.  Believing Jesus and following Him is a challenge because the devil will continually try to make us choose a different path.   All the apostles suffered for choosing the correct path.  Over 2000 years have passed and we will not have to face challenges to the same degree as the first apostles but there will be challenges nevertheless. 

The message today is that all decisions we make that relate to our faith and our Church or indeed, our day to day lives have to be made with Christ at the centre.  Anything that causes us to deviate from this path is not from God and needs to be let go. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You console us with your love.  You share with us your Spirit.  You do not withhold from us your compassion and sympathy.  Jesus, unify us as only you can.  We desire to be of the same mind, having the same love, in full accord with one another.  As we make decisions for the future, we ask that your Holy Spirit enables us to act not out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility to regard others as better than ourselves.  Help each of us to look not to our own interests, but the interests of others and ultimately to glorify you.  In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit we pray.  Amen.