Together

Recently I have been increasingly conscious of the interpersonal struggles that emerge as a church grows and as strong personalities are recruited for leadership. My heart is grieved and actually experiences pain when I see darts and defensive posturing among God's children, especially leaders. We fall short of God's desire for us. Remember what God modeled for us in the Scriptures?

"And all those who had believed were TOGETHER , and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions, and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. And day by day continuing with ONE MIND in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals TOGETHER with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved." Acts 2:44-47

We will always be dealing with issues and conflicts as people and especially as leaders. Paul, the apostle, was a leader that had to deal with some of the "junk and funk" (Clayism) of doing life with people. It appears as though people haven't changed much. He had to remind the people he was working with that he was all about them.

"Make room for us in your hearts; we wronged no one, we corrupted no one, we took advantage of no one. I do not speak to condemn you; for I have said before that YOU ARE IN OUR HEARTS TO DIE TOGETHER AND TO LIVE TOGETHER. Great is my confidence in you, great is my boasting on your behalf; I am filled with comfort. I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction." 2 Corinthians 7:2-4

Everyday we can build up or tear down. We can encourage or discourage. We can brag on someone or we can backbite someone. We can be filled with comfort or filled with anxiety. We have joy in our afflictions or let our afflictions rob our joy.

Let's get it together.