for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in
all the churches of the saints.
Insights: Another example of the
disunity found among the Corinthian believers is located in chapter nine. Again, we do not have to image very hard to
realize that some people have stopped supporting the ministry of Paul and are
withholding their financial approval.
People’s pocket books, more often than not, speak loudly to a person’s
values, beliefs, and desires. If someone
does not support the same things you do, you are more likely to hold back your
giving and be reserved around such an individual. Now, this is not the same as yesterday’s
point about not speaking with someone.
No, this reserved attitude is often times described as the “cold
shoulder” treatment. We have all
experienced this at some point or another in our lives. A person is giving us the “cold shoulder” and
as their words come out we feel the ice sickles forming on our eye lashes. They often times share their disapproval of
our lives and our choices, but they don’t do it from the vantage point of
love’s warm glow. Rather, they rebuff us
with the cold chill of judgment. A
church that has that kind of atmosphere is going to be stiff and formal. What do you think that kind of energy will do
to a person visiting a church of that nature?
Do you think they will feel loved and welcomed? Or will they feel cold and not well
received? A visitor may not even be able
to tell you what the problem is, but they will know that one exists. If a lost person came into that kind of atmosphere,
do you think they would want the hope we have to offer them? Would you personally want to be a part of
that kind of body? Believed of the Lord,
it is for this reason we must strive for unity.
We must strive to forgive each other and work toward peace and
love. Do not let our “cold shoulder”
treatments cause confusion to a lost and dying world that is heading to
hell. We need to model and display the
forgiving love of Jesus and proclaim His hope and let Him bring ultimate peace
into their lives as well as our own. Let
God be glorified in our unity.
Questions:
- Are you giving people the “cold shoulder” treatment?
- Are you withholding your tithes and offerings because of disagreements?
Prayer: Father, You have called Your children to be one. Do not let me be an instrument that causes
people to feel as if I am giving them the “cold shoulder.” Let my life exhibit the warmth of love and
joy. Amen.
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