Fight for yourself.
Take care of your own.
Make a way for your ways.
It’s eat or be eaten.
Don’t let people take advantage of you.
No one understands.
Be number one.
Give it your all.
Do whatever you can to get ahead.
At all costs.
Make money and please self.
Be first in line.
Forge a way.
Only the strong survive.
This would be all fine and dandy, except God flips the script of the world on it’s ugly head to say:
1. In me and through me, you make up one body, with many parts. 1 Cor. 12:12
2. Your role on earth is to prepare people for good works of service, so that the body of Christ is built up until we all reach unity in the faith…attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Eph. 4:11-13
3. You belong to each other, each member forms one. Ro. 12:5
These words make us contend with a different vision of purpose. We have to take care of our family. Our united, although seemingly divided, unit that Christ has deemed worthy of all godly affection.
If God sees it that way, shouldn’t we?
So as one, we can move to become a different one, a loving one, a bonded one.
Not one fighting for one. But one many fighting for many.
Not one clawing and scratching to the top of the pack,
but one laying and paving a way for other to step into glory.
Not one finding pride in self-achievement,
but one seeing achievement being other’s progress too.
This makes me consider, am I a Spirit-keeper or a flesh-keeper?
A uniter or a divider?
Do I keep the bond of love, peace and togetherness glued by the Spirit
or do I keep the bond of my agenda, vision and plans that only make my eyes stick to myself?
A life sticking to vanity, is one wasting away in the mirror of carnal. It is staring at what will never come to be. It is relying on an image that will one day fade away to the glorious day where all join hands to sing, to resound and to clap–together–at the glory of the Lord.
…to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment–to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. Eph. 1:10
God desires that we get a slice, a piece, a helping of this unity on earth too.
The question is, will we we take a bite believing it tastes good?
As we grab hands, we are grabbing the life we always thought we were fighting for. We find kindred hearts that understand our plight, so we can give a better fight. We will find encouragement, in the face of “despair.” Hope in the face of, “I can’t.” Life in the face of “struggle.”
We find family, not perfect family, but blessed family-in the name of Jesus Christ. Because, his body? He makes it work, move and run. It’s not by our perception of it’s effectiveness, but by his benediction of it’s power.
And, there we have it. We thought we were responsible for moving ourself, but God is ready to move a body in unison towards greatness.
I guess the question is-will we go? Do we trust him enough to allow others to help us?
We are better together. Can move farther together. Can beat resistance together. Can’t be broken together. Can’t go as wayward together. Will live united together, forever.
Why not start now?
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What a probing question! >>> Do I keep the bond of love, peace and togetherness glued by the Spirit or do I keep the bond of my agenda, vision and plans that only make my eyes stick to myself? >>> Wow! Certainly something to ponder. Our agenda, as Christians must be the agenda of Christ. Stopping in from #fmfparty. Blessings, Kelly.
Let’s go only in his way! Totally agree Leah.
Thank you for this Kelly. The truth is, unity is hard. It takes work, and we can’t do it alone. But just like you said here, it is God’s clear purpose for us. We are not designed to go-it-alone:) Blessings, girlfriend. Happy to be united with you and your sweet, life-giving spirit!
Thank you Kristine. Much love to you. Let’s seek unity above all!
Kelly,
Always glad to stop by, this time from #DanceWithJesus. These words are so convicting!! Oof. I’ve only recently become a member of a church for the first time ever, and it’s been amazing to me to learn what it is to be a part of His body in person, consistently, connected. Humbling, but amazing. Unity is truly only found in Christ -we really don’t have anything else lasting to hold onto together. I love your words here, and your call for unity in our souls with the Spirit and with each other! Can’t have one without the other : )
I am so happy you are here. May you find deep community and unity friend.
We are better together. I love the “we are one body” text because it is oh so true. By the way, loving your prayer Scopes. Visiting from FMF where I’m parked in the 16 spot.
Thank you for joining the prayerscopes. What is your name on there?
Truth! And when I think I’m doing well, the mirror is raised for me to look into. To see His truth. Is it IN me? And I joining hands with others or pushing back and away?
Thanks Kelly for this reminder that He is first!
Thank you Susan. Let’s keep on placing him first, above all!
We are indeed a messy, big loving family. Not perfect, but loving. I love how church is spreading to include people all over the world thanks to blogging and social media. I feel so close to my blogging family now. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
I feel so close too Mary. What a gift!
Thanks for this, Kelly! While we expect and long for acceptance in Dad’s House most of all, some of us are set aside. I heard it said once: church is who we are, not where we go, and in God’s House (and Heart) there are no walls. If we happen to find yourselves “out,” I pray we remember that He can use us anywhere…to bless, to feed, to visit, to encourage…. for in all things we do for one another (and I believe we are all God’s Kids, whether we know it or accept it, or not) we are doing it for Him (mt 25:40).
Thanks for the encouragement and admonition to not go into isolation!
Love from Holland,
Jasmine
He can use us anywhere. He is active no matter where we are. Great point!
Well said, Kelly! You have challenged us to keep in mind the main thing. The enemy would divide us at every turn and too often we allow it or cooperate with his plans and schemes. We need to also be aware we too are flawed humans even as the one or ones that hurt, disappointed, or left us in the dust. Our trust needs to always be drawn back to Him and the level of willingness to risk in relationship is directly proportional to our risk in trusting Him above all others.
We are flawed. May we seek him time and time again to restructure us when we go out of alignment.