7.30.9 "Devoted to Unity"

"Devoted to Unity"

2 Chronicles 26:1-28:27
Romans 13:1-14
Psalm 23:1-6
Proverbs 20:11

Is it important to be connected to the body? We all need to understand that know we have the need for fellowship with one another in the SAME way we know we should obey God. These are inseparable truths.

In reading Romans 13 we can see the importance of this. In verse 9-10 Paul says, " If you love your neighbor as much as you love yourself you will not want to harm or cheat him, or kill him or steal from him. And you won't sin with his wife or want what is his, or do anything else the Ten Commandments say is wrong. All ten are wrapped up in this one, to love your neighbor as you love yourself. Love does no wrong to anyone. That's why it fully satisfies all of God's requirements. It is the only law you need."

One of the most useful aspects of the DREAM is that we can take a daily inventory of the purposes God has for us, and use it as a checklist. That's great, but we have to be careful about a "checklist mentality". With a checklist mentality we can think, "well, at least i got my 'D', i don't have time for my 'R' today."

As we mature in Christ we must begin to realize how inseparable these elements are. How can you say you are living the "Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship", and not respect and obey the government? verse 2 says, "So those who refuse to obey the laws of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow."

Verse 3 says, "For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you." I've started to do a much better job of driving the speed limit. I'm not perfect, but it's been amazing how much more relaxed I am when I see the squad car on the side of the road. There's much more peace in doing what the authorities have asked. I'm sure that's what Paul had in mind when he wrote this, right?

Paul must have been thinking of those who get a letter from the assessor when he wrote verse 6-7. "Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority."

The root of unity is Submission. We cannot be in unity without submitting to the needs of one another. This is a deep heart issue. We must train our hearts to love one another by consistently being aware of each other's needs, and responding with compassion, and appropriate submission to those needs. This is what love is all about.

How urgent is this? Is this really important??

verse 11 "...you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for the coming of the Lord is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is far gone, the day of his return will soon be here. So quit the evil deeds of darkness and put on the armor of right living, as we who live in the daylight should! Be decent and true in everything you do so that all can approve your behavior."

There isn't much time left. Put this into practice today!




Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ