Wednesday, April 9 ~ Living a Worthy Unity
~~Philippians 1:27-28
Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side, with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing.
~~Paul wrote this letter to the church in Philippi from prison. He was so glad to know that even though he was not with them they were still faithful in all they were doing to spread the word of the love and sacrifice of Christ. Paul was joyful that the church used their gifts to glorify the love and grace of God through Christ.
The early Christians had only Paul to learn about Jesus Christ and God’s grace. They believed the word and acted in faith and service to show the word in action.
In our time we have so many ways to find out about Christ and the love of God.
We are free to speak and worship without fear. We have so many blessings we take for granted.
Moving the knowledge we have about Jesus Christ from our heads to our hearts, allows us to have within us the love and grace of God through Christ.
When we worship on the Sabbath day and commune together, we are one in the spirit. We are lifted up in the spirit of fellowship with other Christians.
When we leave this joyful place of worship may we still have the unity of being one with Christ.
May we always be careful about what we say and do when we think no one is looking. May we be bold enough to speak out if we see and hear things that are not in the spirit of the love we know we should display.
Imagine, we are in unity with the first Christians. Is that not a joyful thought to ponder?
Gracious Father,
Hear our prayer for all who enter the sanctuary that they will be welcomed with the love of Christ no matter who they are, how they look or what their circumstances might be. May the fruit of the spirit be overflowing both in our worship and when we leave. Embrace us with Your everlasting love and grace in Christ. Amen.
Ruth Miller