Living Free - Mar. 6, 2012
Building a Tower
Today's Scripture
"Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News." Philippians 1:27 NLT
Thoughts for Today
Where there is unity, there is much strength—even if people are unified for the wrong reason.
After the flood in Genesis 6-8, the world was one in language, in aspiration, in geographical location and in action. The people decided to build a great city with a tower that would go to the heavens (Genesis 11:1-8). Why? Not to honor God, but to make a name for themselves and to prevent being scattered over the face of the whole earth. Knowing that nothing would be impossible for them to do because of their oneness, God confused the language of the people and scattered them all over the earth.
Unity of itself is not necessarily good. Oneness in Christ honors our Savior. These people were united, but their purpose was prideful and offensive to the holiness of God. They were seeking equality with God and divine acceptance through human effort.
Consider this …
If we unite to seek power or success, focusing solely on human effort and human rewards, we displease God—and are destined to ultimately fail. Especially in the church, we must be focused on Christ, not on the organization. We must be focused on honoring God, not ourselves. We must always recognize our total dependence on him.
Let us stand "together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News."
Father, forgive me for the times that I've united with others to accomplish something, focusing on selfish ambition and desires rather than honoring you and accomplishing your will. Help me to always focus on you more than any organization or ambition. Help me to honor you in all I do. In Jesus' name …
These thoughts were drawn from …
One Nation Under God: Toward Race Reconciliation by Donna Saunders, Ph.D. and Jean Leak, MS, RN. This study discusses barriers between people and shows how to make Christ visible through love in action. This guide also offers the way to strengthen and bond relationships. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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