August 26

Some of my kids were over yesterday and at one point, I just sat back and marveled at how different they all are. They are each unique and gifted in their own ways, yet all from the same family. 


Each of us in this family of God represents a part of the figure of Christ - a complex body formed of differing gifts, personalities, and preferences. No single member of the Church is of greater importance, but all of us are created to work together in the single pursuit of lifting up Jesus. We can be tempted to believe that our part is either too insignificant or too important. The enemy is the great deceiver and he will do his best to convince us in either direction. It is our duty to cling to the right perspective about our gift and the part we play in this family and delight in the God-given variety found among us. 


“How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭133:1-3‬ ‭NLT‬‬


When we try to make the characteristics of our brothers and sisters into a mold that only we can fit in, we are seeking to lift up ourselves instead of Jesus and foolishly covering the radiant light of His glory that is revealed in the Body. 


In this chapter, we see a view of the blessing that is promised by God when His children are obedient to be united together by love. The unity commands the blessing, and the blessing is in being both set apart from the world and covered in the anointing of the Spirit. To live in unity with our fellow believers will produce a life soaked with the presence of the Lord, while a life marked with contention and selfish ambition should never expect to be Spirit-filled. 

Let us ask the Lord together to begin this week with the power to have a more firmly established unity between us and our brothers and sisters in Christ by His grace and for His glory. 


Lord Jesus, thank you for the unity and harmony found only in you. Help us today to establish unity with one another and help us to hide these very special words of Ascención in our hearts—to memorize these precious words of yours and to recall them when we are tempted to disharmony. Give us the power to love one another and to steer away from selfish ambition. We want to be set aside from the world by your example. Remind us of the truths we have learned and let us share them when ever we can. We worship you Lord and praise your holy name. Amen and amen. 


Love you dear friend,

Pam

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