1)
We then that are strong ought to bear the
infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
2)
Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
3)
For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as
it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached
thee fell on me.
4)
For whatsoever things were written aforetime
were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the
scriptures might have hope.
5)
Now the God of patience and consolation grant
you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
6)
That ye may with one mind and one mouth
glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
|
I |
t
has gotten to the point where it is difficult to get most people to cooperate
about anything. The reason for this is the same as it has been from time
immemorial: Man’s preoccupation with and protection of himself. It almost seems
as if there is largely neither interest in, nor vision, for a “greater plan.”
It
has become unquestionably clear that God’s will is accomplished by a body being
on one accord. As we see saved man becoming more-and-more self centered, we can
identify a subsequent lack of accomplishment. We can also identify that in
congregations with the Lord as central focus, great spiritual strides are being
made.
The
Church is dying because of the will of man. Largely, he comes to salvation with
a mind already set upon what he is willing, and not willing, to do. Absolutely
no one can be saved unless he is willing to give up his own mind for Christ. Salvation,
under any other circumstances, is a frivolous waste of time. With a selfish
mind, not only can one not work together with God to accomplish His purpose,
but he will also be unwilling to work with anyone else.
Despite
how so-called “saved” individuals may live, or what is exhibited by Apostolic”
churches, we are saved for a common
cause.” That cause, of course is to bring souls into salvation and accomplish
the Lord’s will for His Church. Yes, His Church,
collectively is to be the focus of our activity. Though ignorantly, many get
saved for selfish reasons. Once actually having received salvation, one should
become enlightened of God.
It
seems as if a current major focus is on “getting.” God has no problem with the
concept, but rather, the motivation. You see, he automatically gives to us when
we are obedient and committed. These promises, though, are not to be looked
for, for any such focus causes us concern, of the
order: “Will I, or won’t I get?” The Lord wants us free from the concerns of
this life so that we can focus on Him. This is why He promises provision for
us.
God’s
people are growing faint at the wrong time. Many simply seem to have adopted
the attitude of being “fed up” with the devil giving them a “hard time.” What
is the danger with this? Several things: Though this is his job, he is not
supposed to be able to move us. As time grows shorter his attack will grow more
frequent and numerous out of desperation. We are built, through the Holy Ghost,
to be able to withstand anything he brings our way. However, unless we know and
accept this, we will be swiftly destroyed.
A
truth which should provide us with much hope and great consolation is that
Satan has absolutely no control over us—except when we operate in the flesh. As
long as we remain in the Spirit, he is absolutely of no concern to us. It is
only our inordinate interest in our flesh which makes us feel that all of our
concerns are valid.
Why
do we have such difficulty “getting together” and “staying together”? Because
by virtually refusing to operate in singleness of mind, we give the devil much
reason to believe that he can “win.” This, in turn, is what makes him
strong and us weak.
Despite
these somewhat harsh truths with which we are faced, there is a solution to our
problem. First of all, those of us who have been enlightened and who have
accepted that enlightenment must be
able to communicate to others what the Lord has revealed to us. This
“communication” comes about by, us living in unity. What people don’t see is often more important than what they
do see. They don’t need to detect
dissatisfaction and separation; they do need to see common purpose and
singleness of mind.
Think
about this: If this world is to have any hope, it will have to come from the
Saints. This means us; this means you! Hope is not engendered by phrases such
as “I don’t like,” but by positive statements of “God wants and expects us to
...”
The
world must hear from the saints a resounding chorus of “one accord, one accord,
one accord.” Being able to get selfish, egotistical,
self-centered, childish man to this point is truly a miracle—and will testify
of itself that our God is truly mighty.