Philippians 1:27
[ Life Worthy of the Gospel ] Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel
Ephesians 4:3
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 5:1
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children
Philippians 2:15
so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky
We call it 'love', don't we? When we put aside our interests, dreams and desires to pour ourselves, heart and soul, into our children. The beauty of God's providential design of the family, is that, it's supposed to work like that. No sacrifice is too great for our children. Countless hours, energy and resources spent on rearing our children to the best of our ability. Yet we happily toil, rarely complaining, taking our reward from the smile, the hug or the 'Thank you Dad' (or 'Mom') that comes as a result of the joy experienced by them at any given time. And even when that smile, hug or 'Thank you' doesn't materialize, we were supposed to do it any way, right? That's what parents do. The same is true in the other direction within the family unit. Children 'understand' when they can't always have what they want. They 'help' mom and dad when asked. They cling to mom and dad because mom and dad are all they have. Family.
The same is true at your job, isn't it? Generally speaking, a harmonious workplace, where everyone works toward the common goals of the organization, is a good place to work. A place where the goals of the organization are clearly delineated.make it easy to sacrifice your time and energy for the good of the company. Sure, a job is a job, but unity of purpose makes it easier
What then in the Body of Christ? How do we get the most out of the interaction within our 'church experience'? Harmony of purpose, unity of Spirit should be our goal, but what is our motivation? What should it be? Do we serve for fame or fortune. Do we esteem ourselves more than our brothers and sisters in Christ? Do we want to see our personal agenda played out, even if it would bring about some benefit to the 'Body'? No wonder we 'burn out', give up, loose hope and quit.
Beloved, Christ set the example. He looked forward and saw 'Joy' on the other side of suffering. He entreats us to do the same. His Word encourages us to look to a time in Eternity, when we will all stand in His Presence, casting our crowns and rewards before Him in Glory. Always remember: 'It's not about us, it's about Him". Find your place in the Body, set your heart on things above, let the 'mind of Christ' be in you, let his love strengthen you, let His Holy Spirit guide you. Put aside selfish motivations and desires and you will find strength for the journey. Be like Jesus.
.wb
1 Corinthians 13:1-8
1 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails.
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