One of the tragedies within the Christian church is when men and women within the body of Christ do not get along with each other. Jesus said that his disciples would be known by their love for one another (John 13:35). It is troubling when instead, they are known by their hatred, splits, quarrels, and judgmental attitudes towards one another.
Churches are torn apart over trifles as small as what color to choose for the new sanctuary carpet. Friendships disintegrate because of an unwise comment or frivolous action. Family members may not speak to each other for years over an unfilled promise. How sad it is when communication breaks down between people and especially women in the body of Christ. After all, we are a “sisterhood”.
Recently I had the privilege of volunteering at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada. There were hundreds of workers on ministry teams from all over the world serving under The Salvation Army and “More than Gold”. We had a basic mission: “to offer radical hospitality and serve hot beverages to people in 25 locations throughout the greater Vancouver area.” We were to “share God’s love with strangers while building community with others in the Body as we served side by side”.
We worked hard, fulfilled the mission as best we could and had a rewarding time doing it. Looking back on the experience I began to reflect on what made the whole event meaningful and productive. We served out in the cold, walked long distances, slept on cots in churches, shared one shower amongst fifteen to twenty people, packed loads of hot liquid and goodies to be distributed. We were linked up with people we didn’t know and those who were of different ethnic classes and various religious backgrounds.
It was more than the working and living side by side that kept us together. We were one in purpose and we had a common goal. Everyone worked toward that end while accomplishing even the most menial of tasks such as filling coffee pots, or cleaning up at the end of the shift. We were volunteering for the sake of a larger purpose. Paul says in his epistle to the Philippians 2:2 “Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.” (NLT)
Again, the Apostle, Paul reminds us of an essential key to getting along as sisters in Christ – that is to please God. 2 Corinthians 5:9 “So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.” (NIV) As Christians, it is not our reputation that is at stake but the very reputation of Jesus Christ. A wise person has once said “In essentials, unity, in non-essentials, diversity and in all things, love.”
A prayer: Dear Lord, may we ever be mindful of how you came to serve. We humbly ask that you put your servant’s heart and your willing spirit into us by the power of the Holy Spirit, so that we may reflect your love. Amen
Devotional written by Major Susan Jones of the Coos Bay Corps. Major Jones is a popular workshop teacher at our annual Women’s Ministries Spiritual Retreat.
