A university in our area has an inter- esting annual rite—a tug of war. Two teams train and prepare to pull together on their end of the rope to win the competition, hoping to avoid the mud pit between the teams and gain campus bragging rights for another year. For a fun competition, it can become intense.

As believers in Jesus we often face the challenge of learning how to pull together. Self-interest, personal agendas and power struggles get in the way of genuine ministry and hinder the work of Christ.

Such was the case in Paul’s letter to the Philippians, where he had to plead with Euodia and Syntyche to “be of the same mind” (4:2). Their personal friction created a barrier to their spiritual service, and their ‘tug of war’ was harming the life of the church.

Paul’s appeal was for them to pull together and work for the honour of the Master. It is an appeal that serves us well today. When we feel distanced from our fellow believers, we must look for the common ground we have in the Saviour.

Church is no place for a tug of war. It’s imperative that we work together for the advancement of God’s kingdom. He can use us in wonderful ways when we lay aside our personal differences and pull together on the rope.

A believer at war with another Christian cannot be at peace with the Father.

Author

Bill Crowder

Topics

Our Daily Bread