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BE CONCERNED
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27
Philippians 4:1-3

Galatians 6:1-9

 

“I have declared my ways,

and thou heardest me…”

 

BE CONCERNED
 
In our last meditation, we were made aware that this world is not our home. Christians, who are citizens of heaven, should be living with the return of the Lord always in view. The joy of an eternal future with the Lord should encourage us to stand fast in the faith (Phil 4:1). Such a consistent testimony is often used to bring others to Christ. For this reason, the adversary does all in his power to keep us from living in a way which reflects our final destination.
 
The verses which we look at today are very sad. We see citizens of heaven acting like sinners who have been unchanged by God’s power. Two Christians attending the same church were in serious disagreement with one another. We know the disagreement was not over matters of Bible doctrine, because in such cases those causing trouble should be put from the fellowship (Rom 16:17). So, this disagreement must have been over matters of procedure or personal opinion (Phil 4:2).
 
Such division and bickering, however, cannot be allowed in the church. If squabbles and disagreements are allowed to continue it will soon affect everyone. Christians, then, cannot ignore a situation in the local church which shows a lack of Christian love and unity. So, all those who are loyal servants of the Lord must be concerned. It is the duty of Christians to be concerned about fellow church members in such a situation. Paul here was following the instructions for restoration which he wrote elsewhere to the Galatians (Gal 6:1). We whose names are written in the Book of Life must be concerned about one another’s testimony. Such love and concern will strengthen the church and our testimony before the world.
 
THOUGHT: What should our attitude be toward disagreement in the church?
PRAYER: When one drifts into sin, the whole church is in danger. So, Father, help me and my church to be lovingly concerned.

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