Do you want victory over your critical attitude?
"Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:8
One of Abraham Lincoln's earliest political enemies was Edward Stanton. In one speech he called Lincoln a "low, cunning clown." In another he said, "It's ridiculous to go to Africa to see a gorilla when you can find one just as easily in Springfield, Illinois." Yet Lincoln never responded. Why? Because "Love is patient, love is kind" (1 Corinthians 13:4 NIV). This kind of love is not passive endurance, it's active good will. It's not just standing across the room saying, "That person drives me bananas so I'm going to steer clear of them." No, it's crossing the room and finding a way to physically (or in conversation) embrace them. Lincoln did that. When he was elected President and needed a Secretary of War, guess who he chose? Edward Stanton. When friends asked why, Lincoln said, "Because he's the best man for the job." Years later as the slain President's body lay in state, Edward Stanton looked into the casket and said through his tears, "There lies the greatest ruler of men the world has ever seen." His animosity had been broken by Lincoln's long-suffering, non-retaliatory spirit.
Is someone injuring you? Have they chosen a place of opposition in your life? How are you responding? Do you want victory over your critical attitude? Then by an act of your will - forgive them, move toward them with grace and begin to love them. Then watch God bring victory in a way you never could, because "Love [the God kind] never fails."
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Your Reward
Your labour is not in vain. - 1 Corinthians 15:58
Sometimes it's easy to forget that this world is not your home! You're going to spend eternity with Christ in a place prepared especially for you (John 14). You're also going to be rewarded for the job you've done. The Bible not only supports that idea. It spells out some of the specifics. Here are three you need to know about today:
(1) Most of your rewards will be received in heaven - not on earth! Yes, there are earthly rewards (Mark 10:30), but God reserves special honour for the day when "each man's work will become evident" and "he shall receive a reward" (1 Corinthians 3:13-14 NAS). Your service now will determine the status then, so give it your best today!
(2) All your rewards will be based on quality, not quantity! We're so impressed with size and volume, noise and numbers, but God has His eye on motive. When He rewards you, it'll be based on what you did with what you had, and the "heart" you put into it. That means everybody has an equal opportunity when it comes to rewards.
(3) Your reward may be postponed, but it'll never be forgotten! Think about that! When you've done what was needed, yet you were ignored and misunderstood, remember, "Your labour is not in vain." When you've done "the right thing," but received neither credit nor acknowledgment, remember, "Your labour is not in vain." When you've served, given, and sacrificed, and then willingly stepped aside for God to get all the glory, remember, "Your labour is not in vain." What an assurance!
Sometimes it's easy to forget that this world is not your home! You're going to spend eternity with Christ in a place prepared especially for you (John 14). You're also going to be rewarded for the job you've done. The Bible not only supports that idea. It spells out some of the specifics. Here are three you need to know about today:
(1) Most of your rewards will be received in heaven - not on earth! Yes, there are earthly rewards (Mark 10:30), but God reserves special honour for the day when "each man's work will become evident" and "he shall receive a reward" (1 Corinthians 3:13-14 NAS). Your service now will determine the status then, so give it your best today!
(2) All your rewards will be based on quality, not quantity! We're so impressed with size and volume, noise and numbers, but God has His eye on motive. When He rewards you, it'll be based on what you did with what you had, and the "heart" you put into it. That means everybody has an equal opportunity when it comes to rewards.
(3) Your reward may be postponed, but it'll never be forgotten! Think about that! When you've done what was needed, yet you were ignored and misunderstood, remember, "Your labour is not in vain." When you've done "the right thing," but received neither credit nor acknowledgment, remember, "Your labour is not in vain." When you've served, given, and sacrificed, and then willingly stepped aside for God to get all the glory, remember, "Your labour is not in vain." What an assurance!
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Learn To Confront
Learn To Confront
"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17
If you grew up in a family where confrontation left only wounds, you may have become 'a tap-dancer'. That's a pity, for "iron sharpens iron," and there are definite times when you need to confront, like:
When others stand to be hurt. Paul writes, "When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was… wrong" (Galatians 2:11 NIV). Wow! The Clash of the Titans! Listen again, "Before certain men came… [Peter] used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to… separate himself [and]… The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy… even Barnabas was led astray" (Galatians 2:12-13 NIV).
When somebody is settling for less. A woman bought a pair of dingy candlesticks at a yard sale for a dollar. Assuming they were made of pewter, she took them home, dusted them and set them on her table. One day a friend who worked in antiques dropped by; "When are you going to clean those candlesticks?" she asked. "What do you mean?" the woman asked, "I just dusted them yesterday." "Dusted?" laughed her friend. "They need to be buffed and polished. They're silver!" So they got silver polish and clean cloths and went to work, until the dull charcoal veneer yielded a pair of gleaming silver candlesticks. Confrontation - the right kind - removes the tarnish that keeps us from shining as God intended us to. Today ask God to make you willing to confront, and when necessary, to be confronted. Your growth depends on it!
"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17
If you grew up in a family where confrontation left only wounds, you may have become 'a tap-dancer'. That's a pity, for "iron sharpens iron," and there are definite times when you need to confront, like:
When others stand to be hurt. Paul writes, "When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was… wrong" (Galatians 2:11 NIV). Wow! The Clash of the Titans! Listen again, "Before certain men came… [Peter] used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to… separate himself [and]… The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy… even Barnabas was led astray" (Galatians 2:12-13 NIV).
When somebody is settling for less. A woman bought a pair of dingy candlesticks at a yard sale for a dollar. Assuming they were made of pewter, she took them home, dusted them and set them on her table. One day a friend who worked in antiques dropped by; "When are you going to clean those candlesticks?" she asked. "What do you mean?" the woman asked, "I just dusted them yesterday." "Dusted?" laughed her friend. "They need to be buffed and polished. They're silver!" So they got silver polish and clean cloths and went to work, until the dull charcoal veneer yielded a pair of gleaming silver candlesticks. Confrontation - the right kind - removes the tarnish that keeps us from shining as God intended us to. Today ask God to make you willing to confront, and when necessary, to be confronted. Your growth depends on it!
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Caught Unprepared
He will appear a second time… to… those who are waiting for Him."Hebrews 9:28 NIV
When President Eisenhower was vacationing in Denver, he was told about a six year-old boy named Paul Haley who was dying of an incurable cancer. Paul had one great dream - to some day meet the president. "Let's go see him", Eisenhower said to one of his aids. So they drove over to the boy's house.
The flags on the fenders were flying that Sunday afternoon, as the big black limo rolled up. Out stepped the president with his bodyguards and knocked on the door. Paul's father answered, wearing old jeans, a grubby shirt and a full day's growth on his beard. "Can I help ya?" he asked. Eisenhower responded, "Is Paul here? Tell him the President of the United States would like to meet with him." Thrilled, little Paul Haley walked around his father's legs and stood looking up into the face he admired most. The president kneeled down, hugged him and took him out to sit in the presidential limousine. Before they said good-bye they shook hands, then just as suddenly as he appeared - he left.
The neighbours still talk about that day. But one man was not entirely happy about it, that was Paul's dad, Donald Haley, who said: "I'll never forget standing there in those old jeans, a dirty shirt and a grubby beard to meet the president. If only I'd known he was coming."
He just wasn't prepared. Are you? Listen: "He will appear a second time… to those who are waiting for Him" (Hebrews 9:28 NIV). If you want to go - you've got to be ready!
When President Eisenhower was vacationing in Denver, he was told about a six year-old boy named Paul Haley who was dying of an incurable cancer. Paul had one great dream - to some day meet the president. "Let's go see him", Eisenhower said to one of his aids. So they drove over to the boy's house.
The flags on the fenders were flying that Sunday afternoon, as the big black limo rolled up. Out stepped the president with his bodyguards and knocked on the door. Paul's father answered, wearing old jeans, a grubby shirt and a full day's growth on his beard. "Can I help ya?" he asked. Eisenhower responded, "Is Paul here? Tell him the President of the United States would like to meet with him." Thrilled, little Paul Haley walked around his father's legs and stood looking up into the face he admired most. The president kneeled down, hugged him and took him out to sit in the presidential limousine. Before they said good-bye they shook hands, then just as suddenly as he appeared - he left.
The neighbours still talk about that day. But one man was not entirely happy about it, that was Paul's dad, Donald Haley, who said: "I'll never forget standing there in those old jeans, a dirty shirt and a grubby beard to meet the president. If only I'd known he was coming."
He just wasn't prepared. Are you? Listen: "He will appear a second time… to those who are waiting for Him" (Hebrews 9:28 NIV). If you want to go - you've got to be ready!
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Going Beyond The Barriers
"Don't be afraid… for I, the Lord, will be with you and see you through." Jeremiah 1:8 TLB
At a coastal aquarium a big barracuda kept trying to attack a mackerel, but a glass barrier stopped it. After repeatedly bumping his nose into the barrier, he finally gave up and quit trying. Later when the barrier was removed, the barracuda would swim to the point where the barrier had been - but he could go no further. To him that barrier was still there. Are you like that? Do you have imaginary barriers in your mind that say "so far and no further?"
When God called Jeremiah to be a prophet to the nation, he told the Lord that he was a lousy speaker, wasn't qualified and couldn't do the job. Immediately God said, "Don't say that" (Jeremiah 1:7 NLT). There are certain things you've got to stop saying if you're ever to break through your mental barriers and self-imposed limitations. What God said to Jeremiah, He's saying to you today. "You will go where I send you, you'll do what I enable you to do, and whatever I have promised I will bring to pass in your life" (Jeremiah 1:7).
God wants to change your conditioned response patterns and false belief systems. He wants to give you a new pair of glasses. Instead of seeing what you expect, He wants you to see what's possible. Instead of expecting the worst, He wants you to begin looking for the best - for that's what He has in mind for you today.
At a coastal aquarium a big barracuda kept trying to attack a mackerel, but a glass barrier stopped it. After repeatedly bumping his nose into the barrier, he finally gave up and quit trying. Later when the barrier was removed, the barracuda would swim to the point where the barrier had been - but he could go no further. To him that barrier was still there. Are you like that? Do you have imaginary barriers in your mind that say "so far and no further?"
When God called Jeremiah to be a prophet to the nation, he told the Lord that he was a lousy speaker, wasn't qualified and couldn't do the job. Immediately God said, "Don't say that" (Jeremiah 1:7 NLT). There are certain things you've got to stop saying if you're ever to break through your mental barriers and self-imposed limitations. What God said to Jeremiah, He's saying to you today. "You will go where I send you, you'll do what I enable you to do, and whatever I have promised I will bring to pass in your life" (Jeremiah 1:7).
God wants to change your conditioned response patterns and false belief systems. He wants to give you a new pair of glasses. Instead of seeing what you expect, He wants you to see what's possible. Instead of expecting the worst, He wants you to begin looking for the best - for that's what He has in mind for you today.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Live In God's Presence
I have set the Lord always before me." Psalm 16:8 NIV
The words "I have set the Lord always before me," are the simplest description of Spiritual life. When certain thoughts are present, there's a good chance they're the result of God walking alongside of us. The first thought involves feelings of reassurance. Whether it's Joshua taking over from Moses, or Paul going through his worst storm, the message is: "Be not afraid. I am with you." The second thought you'll have when God is present is that you'll get guidance. Maybe you're stumped with some issue and then an idea comes to you. It might be a big one or a small one, but it will help. Or you're about to say something that will inflict damage, and suddenly a little voice inside your head says "be quiet." A third indicator of God's presence is conviction of sin. You're going down the wrong road and a little stab of pain says, "no, turn around." Heed that voice or you'll violate your values, diminish your influence, and end up guilt-ridden. The fourth kind of thought that will tell you God is present, is joy! "You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence" (Psalm 16:11 NIV). It works like this: you put in an extra effort, something gets accomplished and you feel a surge of satisfaction - that's what happened when God created the world, then said, "That's good!"
God can use any of those things to convey His presence. If you "Set the Lord always before [you]" you'll begin to sense Him in your everyday life.
The words "I have set the Lord always before me," are the simplest description of Spiritual life. When certain thoughts are present, there's a good chance they're the result of God walking alongside of us. The first thought involves feelings of reassurance. Whether it's Joshua taking over from Moses, or Paul going through his worst storm, the message is: "Be not afraid. I am with you." The second thought you'll have when God is present is that you'll get guidance. Maybe you're stumped with some issue and then an idea comes to you. It might be a big one or a small one, but it will help. Or you're about to say something that will inflict damage, and suddenly a little voice inside your head says "be quiet." A third indicator of God's presence is conviction of sin. You're going down the wrong road and a little stab of pain says, "no, turn around." Heed that voice or you'll violate your values, diminish your influence, and end up guilt-ridden. The fourth kind of thought that will tell you God is present, is joy! "You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence" (Psalm 16:11 NIV). It works like this: you put in an extra effort, something gets accomplished and you feel a surge of satisfaction - that's what happened when God created the world, then said, "That's good!"
God can use any of those things to convey His presence. If you "Set the Lord always before [you]" you'll begin to sense Him in your everyday life.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Radical Love!
Whoever slaps… your right cheek, turn the other to him also." Matthew 5:39 NAS
The disciples lived in a culture that encouraged revenge and defending male honour. Back then, a slap in the face was considered the ultimate humiliation. Now Jesus is saying, "Whoever slaps… your right cheek, turn the other to him also." Can you imagine how they felt? Probably like you're feeling right now! Even today when we're insulted we refer to it as "a slap in the face." The adrenaline starts pumping and anger takes over. After all, our reputation's at stake! But just when we've built up a head of steam along comes Jesus and He says, "Don't hit back… If someone strikes you, stand there and take it" (TM). Hey, what's wrong with this picture? This kind of radical love sees people through God's eyes. Jesus practiced it by refusing to retaliate even though He had the right and the power to do it. As they hammered the nails into His hands and feet He prayed, "Father, forgive them; they don't know what they're doing" (Luke 23:34 TM). When the captain of the Roman soldiers handling His execution saw what happened he praised God and said, "Certainly this was a righteous man" (Luke 23:47). This hardened military officer didn't hear some cold theology. No, he was moved by the force of Christ's love.
Understand this clearly - your enemies matter to God! God is looking for somebody through whom He can love them. Will you be the one He uses? Are you willing to turn the other cheek? If you are, you'll have a truly life-changing experience.
The disciples lived in a culture that encouraged revenge and defending male honour. Back then, a slap in the face was considered the ultimate humiliation. Now Jesus is saying, "Whoever slaps… your right cheek, turn the other to him also." Can you imagine how they felt? Probably like you're feeling right now! Even today when we're insulted we refer to it as "a slap in the face." The adrenaline starts pumping and anger takes over. After all, our reputation's at stake! But just when we've built up a head of steam along comes Jesus and He says, "Don't hit back… If someone strikes you, stand there and take it" (TM). Hey, what's wrong with this picture? This kind of radical love sees people through God's eyes. Jesus practiced it by refusing to retaliate even though He had the right and the power to do it. As they hammered the nails into His hands and feet He prayed, "Father, forgive them; they don't know what they're doing" (Luke 23:34 TM). When the captain of the Roman soldiers handling His execution saw what happened he praised God and said, "Certainly this was a righteous man" (Luke 23:47). This hardened military officer didn't hear some cold theology. No, he was moved by the force of Christ's love.
Understand this clearly - your enemies matter to God! God is looking for somebody through whom He can love them. Will you be the one He uses? Are you willing to turn the other cheek? If you are, you'll have a truly life-changing experience.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
"Graced" To Handle It!
"Grace be unto you." - Philippians 1:2
The same circumstance that conquers others won't conquer you - if you've been "graced" to handle it! How could Paul maintain his joy through beatings, betrayals, shipwrecks and imprisonment? Because God told him, "My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9 TM). Grace will enable you to pastor a difficult church, care for an aging loved one who requires much time and patience, pray and never let go of a prodigal son or daughter, and keep your faith strong in the face of overwhelming odds.
When does grace come? When you need it most! Listen: "We will find grace to help us when we need it" (Hebrews 4:16 NLT). God won't give you tomorrow's grace today. But like the manna in the wilderness, when you awaken each morning it'll be there - grace equal to every need. One of the greatest mistakes you can make is envying others or trying to be like them. Why? Because you may have equal talent, but unless you are equally "graced," you won't succeed. Actually, getting what they have could bury you instead of bless you.
How does grace come? Listen: "And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up" (Acts 20:32). There it is; in the pages of God's Word you'll find a solution, or the grace to handle it, learn from it and come out stronger. So the word for you today is - "grace be unto you."
When does grace come? When you need it most! Listen: "We will find grace to help us when we need it" (Hebrews 4:16 NLT). God won't give you tomorrow's grace today. But like the manna in the wilderness, when you awaken each morning it'll be there - grace equal to every need. One of the greatest mistakes you can make is envying others or trying to be like them. Why? Because you may have equal talent, but unless you are equally "graced," you won't succeed. Actually, getting what they have could bury you instead of bless you.
How does grace come? Listen: "And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up" (Acts 20:32). There it is; in the pages of God's Word you'll find a solution, or the grace to handle it, learn from it and come out stronger. So the word for you today is - "grace be unto you."
Abide In His Love
"May you experience the love of Christ." Ephesians 3:19 NLT
God's love has nothing to do with you. Others love you conditionally, but not God. He loves you because He decides to. Self-generated, without cause and spontaneous, His constant love depends only on His choice to give it. Listen: "The Lord did not set His affection on you… because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the Lord loved you" (Deuteronomy 7:7-8 NIV). You can neither earn nor influence God's love. Paul writes, "God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners" (Romans 5:8 NLT). Don't trust other yardsticks. There's nothing else in the universe to compare God's love to. Success signals God's love no more than struggles indicate the lack of it.
Jesus said, "Abide in My love" (John 15:9 NAS). To abide in His love is to feel at home in it. Home: the place where you're known, loved, secure, and always welcome. John writes, "We take up permanent residence in a life of love" (1 John 4:17 TM).
To abide in His love is to cling to Christ like a branch clings to a vine. Does the branch ever release the vine? Only at the risk of death. Does the branch ever stop drawing life from the vine? No, it receives nutrients 24 hours a day. Would you say the branch is vine-dependent? Absolutely! Listen: "As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me" (John 15:4 NAS).
God's love has nothing to do with you. Others love you conditionally, but not God. He loves you because He decides to. Self-generated, without cause and spontaneous, His constant love depends only on His choice to give it. Listen: "The Lord did not set His affection on you… because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the Lord loved you" (Deuteronomy 7:7-8 NIV). You can neither earn nor influence God's love. Paul writes, "God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners" (Romans 5:8 NLT). Don't trust other yardsticks. There's nothing else in the universe to compare God's love to. Success signals God's love no more than struggles indicate the lack of it.
Jesus said, "Abide in My love" (John 15:9 NAS). To abide in His love is to feel at home in it. Home: the place where you're known, loved, secure, and always welcome. John writes, "We take up permanent residence in a life of love" (1 John 4:17 TM).
To abide in His love is to cling to Christ like a branch clings to a vine. Does the branch ever release the vine? Only at the risk of death. Does the branch ever stop drawing life from the vine? No, it receives nutrients 24 hours a day. Would you say the branch is vine-dependent? Absolutely! Listen: "As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me" (John 15:4 NAS).
What It Means To Surrender
"Surrender yourself to the Lord." Psalm 37:7 GWT
Surrendering to God isn't passive resignation, fatalism or an excuse for laziness. And it's not accepting the status quo. Actually, it may mean the opposite: sacrificing yourself, in order to change what needs to be changed. God only calls surrendered people to do battle on His behalf. So surrendering is not for cowards or doormats.
Surrendering is best demonstrated by obedience. It's saying, "Yes Lord" to whatever He asks of you. To say, "No, Lord" is a contradiction. How can you call Jesus "Lord," then refuse to obey Him?
After a night of failed fishing, Peter demonstrated real surrender when Jesus told him to try again. "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets" (Luke 5:5 NIV). Surrendered people obey God even when it doesn't make sense - and the rewards are awesome!
Abraham followed God without knowing where it would take him. Hannah waited on God's timing without knowing when. Mary expected a miracle without knowing how. Joseph trusted God's purpose without knowing why circumstances happened the way they did. Each of these people were fully surrendered to God. "When will I know I'm fully surrendered?" you ask. When you can rely on Him to work things out instead of trying to manipulate others, force your own agenda or control the situation. You simply let go and let God. You don't have to be in charge.
Surrendering to God isn't passive resignation, fatalism or an excuse for laziness. And it's not accepting the status quo. Actually, it may mean the opposite: sacrificing yourself, in order to change what needs to be changed. God only calls surrendered people to do battle on His behalf. So surrendering is not for cowards or doormats.
Surrendering is best demonstrated by obedience. It's saying, "Yes Lord" to whatever He asks of you. To say, "No, Lord" is a contradiction. How can you call Jesus "Lord," then refuse to obey Him?
After a night of failed fishing, Peter demonstrated real surrender when Jesus told him to try again. "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets" (Luke 5:5 NIV). Surrendered people obey God even when it doesn't make sense - and the rewards are awesome!
Abraham followed God without knowing where it would take him. Hannah waited on God's timing without knowing when. Mary expected a miracle without knowing how. Joseph trusted God's purpose without knowing why circumstances happened the way they did. Each of these people were fully surrendered to God. "When will I know I'm fully surrendered?" you ask. When you can rely on Him to work things out instead of trying to manipulate others, force your own agenda or control the situation. You simply let go and let God. You don't have to be in charge.
Maintain Unity
By one Spirit we were all baptised into one body." 1 Corinthians 12:13 NAS
Mark Twain joked about putting a dog and cat together in a cage to see how they'd get along. They did fine so he added a bird, a pig and a goat. They all did well until he added a Baptist, a Presbyterian and a Catholic - and soon there wasn't a living thing left! Seriously, there's nothing Satan enjoys more than causing division by pitting Christian against Christian, often over insignificant issues.
Notice, before His crucifixion Jesus didn't pray for His disciples to stay loyal or dedicated. No, He prayed that they'd remain united in their love for one another: "That they all may be one, as You… are in Me, and I in You… that the world may believe" (John 17:21 NKJV). Jesus recognised the fallacy of claiming to love God without loving your brothers and sisters. He knew that the church can't fulfil its mission of reaching the lost if its members are at one another's throat. Listen: "The members of the body, though they are many, are one… For by one Spirit we were all baptised into one body." Jesus puts it another way: "Love one another. In the same way I loved you… This is how everyone will recognise that you are My disciples" (John 13:34-35 TM). If we have the right doctrine but the wrong attitude, we'll alienate the very people we hope to attract. A divided, confused world can only be reached by united, loving Christians!
Mark Twain joked about putting a dog and cat together in a cage to see how they'd get along. They did fine so he added a bird, a pig and a goat. They all did well until he added a Baptist, a Presbyterian and a Catholic - and soon there wasn't a living thing left! Seriously, there's nothing Satan enjoys more than causing division by pitting Christian against Christian, often over insignificant issues.
Notice, before His crucifixion Jesus didn't pray for His disciples to stay loyal or dedicated. No, He prayed that they'd remain united in their love for one another: "That they all may be one, as You… are in Me, and I in You… that the world may believe" (John 17:21 NKJV). Jesus recognised the fallacy of claiming to love God without loving your brothers and sisters. He knew that the church can't fulfil its mission of reaching the lost if its members are at one another's throat. Listen: "The members of the body, though they are many, are one… For by one Spirit we were all baptised into one body." Jesus puts it another way: "Love one another. In the same way I loved you… This is how everyone will recognise that you are My disciples" (John 13:34-35 TM). If we have the right doctrine but the wrong attitude, we'll alienate the very people we hope to attract. A divided, confused world can only be reached by united, loving Christians!
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