ICS Daily Devotions
Mind the Gap
Philippians 2:2 (NKJV) Fulfil my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Philippians 2:19a-20(NKJV) But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly …. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.
1 Chronicles 12:17a, 18a (NKJV) And David went out to meet them, and answered and said to them, ‘If you have come peaceably to me to help me, my heart will be united with you; Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, chief of the captains, and he said: “We are yours, O David; We are on your side, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, And peace to your helpers! For your God helps you.”
God communicates His plan to His undershepherd who in turn shares his heart with the congregation so they can run with the church vision together in unity. If the church is made up of like-minded people, alignment in goals is attained and church ministry is easier. This like-mindedness is especially important for the church leadership at all levels as they are the pastor’s ‘mighty men’.
The Apostle Paul was confident in sending Timothy to the church in Philippi because he knew Timothy would represent him well and fulfil the task. It was a trusted partnership, and they were bound by their love and passion for Jesus Christ. They were like-minded and worked well together. Timothy laboured alongside Paul towards the same direction, working on the same ministry priorities, and guided by like procedures.
David needed his trusted advisors and mighty men to come in peace to help him fulfil his calling when he was called to be the King of Israel. Likewise, there isn’t a pastor who can fulfil the calling of building the local church alone. It will be near impossible for the church to be effective and efficient in carrying out her calling unless the local body of believers is of one accord, of one mind, and having the same love.
With the Spirit of God―which is full of love, peace, and grace―at work within us, we will be led to a church to help and support. After taking the time to understand the vision of the church, every member of the church should agree and commit to the vision of the local church for them to run with it. Men and women of God must be people of character and commitment. We should strive to be people who are channels of blessings. The fruit of the Holy Spirit― love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, kindness, faithfulness, and self-control―must be evident both in our personal lives and in our church.
God is displeased with disunity and so we must do all to guard against this. We might not agree with leadership, how some decisions are made, and how ministries are run. But we need not worry about these things because the leadership, including the Senior Pastor, is accountable to God. The Bible says those who preach and teach the Word will be doubly judged. We can always leave if we don’t agree and look for another church where we are in complete agreement and where we can be a blessing!
We must keep our eyes on Jesus, keep calm, and carry on towards the goal.
We must mind the gap caused by misalignment lest we fall into it.
Sermon Series Se: We Can Do It!
