I heard about a Midwestern fair, where many spectators had gathered for an old-fashioned HORSE-PULL. This is an event where various weights are put on a sled which has been hitched to a horse that is then pulled along the ground. The grand-champion horse pulled a sled with 4,500 pounds on it. The runner-up was close, with a 4,400-pound pull. Some of the men wondered, “What if they hitched two together? Separately, they had totaled nearly 9,000 pounds. Could the two pull that amount together?” The men were surprised when the two horses, working as a team, pulled over 12,000 pounds. Imagine the powerful force the church could be if we all “pulled together as a team!” In addition, WE are also “hitched” (yoked) with Christ!
Our enemy, the devil, has been driving wedges between people throughout time. It started in the garden and is still happening today. His strategy is, and always has been, divide and conquer. God said in the beginning that it was not good for man to be alone. It wasn’t good then, nor is it good now. The truth is, I need you. We all need each other. Today there are wedges, used by the devil, that divide us everywhere. People are divided by politics, race, social issues, finances, denominations; and this list could continue on and on.
It’s been said, relationships are hard work, while at the same time, simple. If we do four things, we can have both healthy and happy relationships.
- If we will submit to one another (Eph. 5:21). This does not mean allowing ourselves to be walked on, but preferring the other person (Romans 12:10).
- If we love one another (1 Cor. 13). The whole chapter, great stuff.
- If we honor one another (Romans 12:10). We honor people by listening to them, valuing their opinions, by recognizing and celebrating one another’s unique gifts and journey.
- If we encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11). We should be the best cheerleader for those around us.
The story is told of a time when a little child in an African tribe wandered off into the tall jungle grass and could not be found, although the tribe searched all day. The next day the tribal members all held hands and walked through the grass together. This enabled them to find the child, but due to the cold night, he had not survived.
In her anguish and through tears, the mother cried, “If only we would have held hands sooner.” It is not enough that we all share a common goal. We must all work together to accomplish it without hesitation.
This is the time for the children of God to join hands together. We can not allow any of Satan’s wedges to divide us any longer. The truth is, what unites us is far greater than that which divides us. Souls are out in the cold, dark abyss. They have been hurt, they are looking for help, and we are their hope.
Matthew 18:19-20 (NKJV) “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
Eph. 5:21 (NIV) Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Romans 12:10 (Msg) Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.
Romans 12:10 (NIV) Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
1 Thessalonians 5:11(NIV) Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
If you would like to know when my new blogs are published, just sign up on the right-hand side of this page and they will come to your email. Thanks for taking the time to read. Have a blessed week.
Mindful of His Ways 