Bible Thoughts

September 28, 2003

"Endeavoring to Keep"

Many decades ago, the apostle Paul was constrained to write, "I Therefore, the prisoner of the Lord beseech you to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace"(Ephesians 4:1-3).

There are certain obligations imposed upon the child of God from this passage from the inspired man. Each disciple is morally obligated to contribute toward the unity of Christ's church. How active are we in standing up for unity and pursuing constructive efforts to see that God's people are united? When division occurs among God's people and nothing is done to correct such, we have failed to respect the teaching of the Lord in this passage.

We are united at Santa Fe Hills and the work is progressing. It is not always easy to maintain that unity, but it is the Lord's will that we always strive to "be of the same mind." While there are areas of disagreement(which occurs in every congregation), how they are dealt with determines the strength of our faith. The local church has been firm and co-operative in seeking to work and worship together as the Lord desires.

To continue to maintain unity among the Lord's people, we are "to walk worthy of the vocation." We set an example of how a congregation can function together in all areas by being conscientious of what we teach, preach, and practice. For each of us, we must be faithful to the commands of God and strive in our daily activities to maintain that faithfulness. As well, we must, as a congregation, use one's influence to strengthen others in the faith. Each disciple must "walk worthy." The faith of each will inspire other saints.

Our attitudes must reflect the "lowliness and meekness" of a faithful member of Christ's body. Through such an attitude, we can not only walk as the Lord desires, but we can set an example to others in regard to proper attitudes. The first item for a child of God is to be faithful himself. A disciple who has the proper attitude will be a great influence to those who are Christians as well as to neighbors, kinsmen, and others. Many have been led to Christ by the daily example of a disciple who lived by the standards of the New Testament.

The growth of a saint is seen in the attitude of humility in one's life and example. When we are conscious of our own mistakes, it will assist us in gaining a better insight of our own strengths and weaknesses. Above all, one must realize his/her dependence upon the Lord and His word. When we identify our own needs, we can become even more conscious of others who have the same challenges that face other Christians. Humility brings one into an awareness of one's need to seek and follow the truth of God's standards(as found in the New Testament).

Another factor that keeps a congregation united is to learn the lesson of longsuffering(long and patient endurance). This is a supreme quality that must be present to keep brethren united in the work of Christ. Patient endurance will reap the fruits of godliness in the lives of those who stay true to God's book.

As we work together as disciples of the Master, we are to be "forbearing one another in love." It is simply not enough to forbear(to be tolerant)--it must be done in love of one another. This old world could certainly use more love. Each Christian should endeavor to grow in the affection for other disciples. A proper dose of love for others will promote unity among the saints(and often cure many ills).

"Endeavoring to keep" is an active quality that must be practiced if any congregation is to have unity and peace among the members. Several years ago, brother Billy Moore published a paper on unity("For a Better Understanding"). The purpose stated: "The purpose of this letter, as stated in the first one, is to bring about a better understanding among brethren in this area, and to work toward unity among believers." What a noble ambition! A better understanding of each other will bring Christians close together and arm the disciples with the strength to move forward in the work of Christ in all areas.

Differences arise among Christians from time to time. How those differences are handled is a clue to one's devotion to the Lord and His way. Solid and scriptural unity among the people of God is brought about by the willingness to discuss differences and seek solutions. Even though we will not always agree on every point, the attitude of willingness to examine and discuss issues, can, in fact, promote unity. As the truth is learned in such discussions, spiritual growth will occur. When discussions of differences are choked, clouds of doubt and fear may cause a widening gap between those who disagree. The experience of sound gospel preachers is that a problem is discussed, freely and openly, such can be solved by honest hearts.

The unity among God's people in each congregation is affected by the attitude of each Christian. Even the disciple can be prejudiced. When one makes up his/her mind without proper and honest investigation, letting pre-conceived ideas and positions color one's thinking, something is wrong with such a disciple. Whether one's ancestors believe and taught it or one has heard such all of his life, does not make a position or teaching scriptural. Only an attitude of seeking to find the truth in all teachings and practices will please the Lord. Jesus said, "...and ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free"(John 8:32).