Hello again!
This is what God gave me today in His word:
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:5-6)
Paul wanted them to live in harmony; to live in harmony, and with one voice give glory to God. He also reminds of the means by which they can live in harmony: Christ Jesus (“in accord with Christ Jesus”). Christ enables us to live peaceful and peace-making lives, thus allowing us to give unified praise to God. Through His being the focus of the World’s hate and sin, we are given His peace and ability to live in harmony with others. Through His giving of His life, we are able to live our life to give glory to God. Which is exactly what we should be doing!
It’s not all about becoming #1. Life isn’t about trying to become the President, or the CEO of some massive company (though, for the record, there’s nothing wrong with being President or the CEO of a big company). It’s about making the most of the opportunity that God has given us, to praise Him, while we have the chance. This is the attitude that we should go about our day with; our one goal should be to serve God to the best of our ability. A goal, which includes being in harmony with others. – How much better than just yourself, is several people praising God together.
Earlier in Paul’s letter to the Romans, he talks about being living sacrifices. God no longer wants burnt offerings, He wants live ones; He wants us. He wants us to praise Him in everything. As Paul says in another place, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) The “all” there, means all; everything. Eating, drinking, working, or anything else is included in “all”.
So let’s do what God wants us to do: because Jesus gave us His all, let’s try to give Him our all.
You are Loved!
Joshua Cleveland
Joshua's Blog 