Compete Or Cooperate:
Following on from last weeks theme, let’s look for the best in each other, and always do our best to bring it out.
In all truthfulness I’m really fed-up of hearing followers of Jesus pounding each other to bits, spreading negative information about each other – especially through social media.
Surely we are called to speak the truth in love – with decency, integrity and humility.
So, to those coming from the outside of the Christian walk, we must look unexpectedly bad, feeble and silly.
If we bad-mouth each other, it’s just like writing graffiti!
Listen, I’m not saying we can’t think about carefully – and discuss or debate important questions.
Some questions need answers.
And as might be expected, we should have an interest and a voice.
But this is more about the very uncomplimentary stuff that we hear concerning or affecting a particular individual and his or her personal life and ministry.
It upsets me when people are driven to use critical words about everything and everyone!
Surely, we must realise that gossip can separate the best of friends, and sarcastic humour can be very unkind!
Reputations and relationships can be damaged
Friends, as we examine our eternal position, occasionally we need to remind ourselves that life is like a wisp of fog, but eternity is like, well, forever!!
Meanwhile, we must decide whether we’re in a Christian community fulfilling the commission of Christ, or in contention with each other to gain some “meritless” prize!
Personally, I reckon Eugene Peterson hits the nail on the head when he translates the words of Jesus this way:
“We’re blessed when we can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight.
That’s when we discover who we really are, and our place in God’s family.”
Bear in mind, good should be our objective always, among ourselves and in the world at large.
Let’s do to others what we want them to do to us!
Equally, let’s make friends with those who seem unimportant.
It’s my personal belief that followers of Jesus should be clearly marked by an affirmative outlook – rather than a condescending, discouraging and grumbling attitude!
Remember, all people will know that we are Jesus followers if we love each other.
But that love must be real!
So, excel in love today.
Go the extra mile, and encourage someone.
And let’s do all we can to live a peaceful life.
Yes – that’s right!
Let’s do our best to live in peace with everyone.
Let’s refrain from criticizing people.
Let’s turn away from gossip and let’s not be so rushed to make rash judgments.
Instead, be in agreement, understand each other, love each other as family, be kind and humble.
Come-on!
Let’s bring glory to Jesus through constructive and respectful comment and extended communication.
Let’s work at getting along with each other.
Let’s make it possible!
Exhibit some grace.
And may God’s bright presence be evident in everything.
Say yeah!
David Prince: Full-time Husband To Rachel – Writer Of Stuff – Receiver Of Grace – Drinker Of Tea – & Hearty Neighbour.
1 Thessalonians 5:11-15
James 4:11
Proverbs 16:28
Matthew 5:9
Romans 12:16
Matthew 7:12
John 13:35
1 Thessalonians 4:11
Romans 12:18
1 Peter 3:8
Hebrews 12:14-17
1 Peter 4:11
By using a simple newsletter form – you can sign-up to receive our weekly inspirational thought – E-word.
God appointments are awaiting us each day – at home, at work, at school, at play. So, if you’ve been inspired by this E-word Communicator – please click the recommend button on this page.
Thank you for being a part of our ministry. We appreciate your support, just knowing you are praying for us is a great encouragement.