Called to unity and mobilisation

Colossians 3: 1-17 Rules for Holy Living

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above...Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things...Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. (We are equal)

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him"

Pastor Lance spoke of unity and mobilisation this morning in our prayer meeting. In speaking of these, he explained the meaning of fellowship. The word fellowship signifies the coming together, in harmony (and intimacy), of two or more people, with a common purpose that effectively leads to movement - like fellow skilled crewmen on board a ship making it able to move across the seas in a decided direction. The Church is often attacked in such a way that derision and division set in to bring its downfall and destruction. We need to stand firm and stand by one another. If one needs to be corrected, do so in and out of love, not with the motivation to expose and ridicule. He asked us to pray for ourselves, that we would be people who seek to investigate and not be quick to judge, criticise and accuse our fellow brothers and sisters.

As we were praying, I thought about how I have spoken about others, claiming that I was sharing of their "weaknesses" as I was "concerned about them". In effect, I was hurt or angry and so wanted to get others on my side of thinking. How often have I spoken ill of my colleagues or students when they have rubbed me the wrong way, even in the most trivial manner. They certainly did not deserve my slander.

Recently, a friend was crushed by groundless accusations that were mass publicised, under false credentials, with the supposed intention to warn fellow ones of this friend's "strikingly flawed attitudes and personality". This person even quoted scripture as they flogged my poor friend with one character assassination after the other. It made me think how what I have said in the past could really tear down the person I was speaking of, particularly if they ever got wind of my unchecked words. Naturally, I felt the urge to defend my friend. To protect, to vindicate. Then I thought. Hurt people hurt people. Though nothing can actually justify what the accuser has done, we have to address the fact that the person acted out of being caught up by their pain and rage. I ought to uphold them in prayer just as much as my friend and not crucify the accuser. It would go nowhere otherwise. Be just another vicious cycle of hatred and revenge.

Was thinking, one of my life mottos should be: Don't say, of someone, behind their back, things you wouldn't say to their face. And if you're just mean and would say hurtful things to their face anyway, then go to the back and sort yourself out.