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Reflections: Daily Devotions in Disability Ministry

Working Together

August 5, 2010

Romans 14:19
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. (NIV)

There were problems in the church in Rome. It seems as though some of the Christians there were doing things that bothered other Christians. It wasn’t huge problems that Paul heard about. It was more like little things that created friction between the members of Christ’s church. This friction certainly did not make the church look good in the eyes of outsiders who might be considering joining the believers.

Some thought that everybody should be vegetarians, and criticized those members who ate meat. Others thought that they should only have church on Sundays, and argued with those who worshipped on other days. This was not a good situation.

After a discussion addressing this troubling and disruptive issue, Paul urged the church in Rome to stop the petty bickering and focus on what brings peace and lifts people up in the community. He encouraged them not to focus on things that tear down others and divide their community. Only by working together, Paul said, can the church thrive.

Perhaps you have experienced a group of individuals that seems to focus on selfish things, rather than the task at hand, rather than the vision of the group. A group can be much more effective when it focuses on encouraging, supporting, and making peace with each other.

Paul knew this to be a particularly important lesson for people who are called followers of Christ, that they may further the work of God, rather than get tied up and twisted, as we so often do.

God, You gave us the example of Your Son as the ultimate bearer of peace and encouragement. Send Your Holy Spirit that we may pursue peace and be a source of encouragement to those around us. Help us to overlook things that could divide us. Help us to focus on what unites us…the love of God through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Michael De Dominick, Ministry Consultant – OR
http://bethesdalutherancommunities.org/resources/spiritualResources/pmc.asp

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