We’ve got your daily encouragement, written by Travis Pate.
Bible Reading:
Romans 12:16
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”
Word:
A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of hearing Benjamin Watson speak at our area FCA banquet. In his talk he addressed the issues of the past few years, especially those that have been divisive. These divisions have cut deep, often severing even close relationships along the way. As he spoke, one thing he said really stood out to me. He said, “Over the last few years, Christians haven’t really looked all that different than the rest of the world”.
What about you? Does your life look any different than the rest of the world? Do you listen respectfully when someone offers an opinion or idea that is different than yours? Do you type out remarks on social media and hit send before you have given much thought to what you wrote? Do your actions line up with your beliefs? While the rest of the world fusses and fights, we are called to be unified…unified under the message of the cross.
When we live in unity under the cross, our words and actions are attractive to the lost. We become the city on a hill that can’t be hidden. Our light shines in the darkness, and for those that are cold, lost, and wandering, it offers a hope that can’t be found anywhere else. God’s love for us should create a desire within us to love others, and share the love that God has shared with us.
All too often we find that we aren’t living in harmony with each other, as Paul directs us in Romans 12. I think it’s time that we take a step back and examine our hearts and listen to what God is telling us. It’s time to look for ways to build community and relationships and not tear them down. It’s time that we start to look different than the rest of the world. It’s time to start looking more like Jesus.
Prayer:
God, I ask right now that you forgive us for not living up to our calling. Help us to see the things within us that need to change or be put aside so that we look more like Jesus. Help us to be a light in the darkness of this world and to reach others for you. In Jesus’ name, amen!
Skillwork:
What things do you need to work on or change in your life in order to start building community and relationships?
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