Story-Teller
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- Joined
- Feb 22, 2009
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UNITED IN PURPOSE
Differences of opinion are normal and natural, even healthy. Differences in personality help bring wholeness to a discussion table as we offer different perspectives. It is only when we become divided in purpose that destruction comes.
When personalities and opinions become the competition and the struggle, we know the purpose of the whole has been forfeited for the purpose of the individual. If someone always needs to be right or needs to feel powerful, then their own agenda will replace the purpose of the whole and hurt and fracture will result.
"...every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand" (Matthew 12:25).
If you are dealing with a sandpapery relationship in your home, church or work stop and ask yourself if you and the other person have the same purpose at heart. If you both have the same desire to build your home or your marriage or to build the kingdom of God through the church, then look afresh at the goal. Focusing together on what is the ultimate purpose will help bring perspective to the differing opinions and personalities. Our very differences and the way we see things can become the tools that help carve out new paths and better solutions.
Jesus must have known how hard it would be for us to stay in unity. His last prayer, before He was betrayed in the garden, was for all believers to be brought to complete unity so the world would know that God sent Him and that He loves them. (John 17:20-23)
When you find yourself in conflict, stop and ask yourself if you are working toward the purpose of the whole or if your own need to be right or powerful has escalated the conflict. Be intentional in polishing up the purpose of what your home or church or organization is about.
The differences we bring to relationships are meant to round out the whole. None of us have the complete picture. Enjoy different styles, tastes, opinions and personalities. Negotiate solutions where differences collide. This is part of life in a healthy environment. Remind each other what you are building together. It is when the purpose fades that the fractures come.
~ Dear God,
I want to contribute to unity in my relationships. Please keep my heart undivided in the purpose of building a strong marriage and home and a healthy church. Help me to be willing to listen to others with new perspective and to help work toward the goal of what our purpose is. May those around us know we are Christians by our love. In Jesus' strong name I pray, amen.
By Gail Rodgers
Submitted by Richard
Questions to Ponder and Discuss:
Why do we find it hard to stay united?
Why is unity important?
How can you recapture the values of your marriage or your church?
Differences of opinion are normal and natural, even healthy. Differences in personality help bring wholeness to a discussion table as we offer different perspectives. It is only when we become divided in purpose that destruction comes.
When personalities and opinions become the competition and the struggle, we know the purpose of the whole has been forfeited for the purpose of the individual. If someone always needs to be right or needs to feel powerful, then their own agenda will replace the purpose of the whole and hurt and fracture will result.
"...every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand" (Matthew 12:25).
If you are dealing with a sandpapery relationship in your home, church or work stop and ask yourself if you and the other person have the same purpose at heart. If you both have the same desire to build your home or your marriage or to build the kingdom of God through the church, then look afresh at the goal. Focusing together on what is the ultimate purpose will help bring perspective to the differing opinions and personalities. Our very differences and the way we see things can become the tools that help carve out new paths and better solutions.
Jesus must have known how hard it would be for us to stay in unity. His last prayer, before He was betrayed in the garden, was for all believers to be brought to complete unity so the world would know that God sent Him and that He loves them. (John 17:20-23)
When you find yourself in conflict, stop and ask yourself if you are working toward the purpose of the whole or if your own need to be right or powerful has escalated the conflict. Be intentional in polishing up the purpose of what your home or church or organization is about.
The differences we bring to relationships are meant to round out the whole. None of us have the complete picture. Enjoy different styles, tastes, opinions and personalities. Negotiate solutions where differences collide. This is part of life in a healthy environment. Remind each other what you are building together. It is when the purpose fades that the fractures come.
~ Dear God,
I want to contribute to unity in my relationships. Please keep my heart undivided in the purpose of building a strong marriage and home and a healthy church. Help me to be willing to listen to others with new perspective and to help work toward the goal of what our purpose is. May those around us know we are Christians by our love. In Jesus' strong name I pray, amen.
By Gail Rodgers
Submitted by Richard
Questions to Ponder and Discuss:
Why do we find it hard to stay united?
Why is unity important?
How can you recapture the values of your marriage or your church?
