Stronger Together

“then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” Phil 2:2

Same Genes

One of our cousins was quite surprised when she had a little girl with bright red curly hair. Then she found out that our grandfather had exactly the same hair as a child. It is so interesting how children of the same parents can be so different. One child can be so quiet and sensitive and another loud and straight talking. One could have the bright red curly hair of their grandmother and another the fine fair hair of their father. Children of the same parents can be so different in a variety of ways and yet they all share some of the same genes that identify them as being part of the family. So it is also with our church family, there are so many things that make us individual children and yet we all have the same Father God.

Humble enough to learn

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 Imagine if your life group was sitting down together and the leader decided that an interesting ice breaker would be to put cat in the middle of everyone. One person might say, “Ahh look” and lean straight in to pat the cat. Another might sneeze and groan “we shouldn’t allow animals inside”. Another might mumble,“Hmm I’m more of a dog person” and another might sit and stare thinking “what on earth does this have to do with our worship life group!” As we serve God together in different ways in the church we may all approach things in slightly different ways and bring different strengths and weaknesses. But God can give us eyes to see and understanding of how we can not only grow and be better together but also enable us to honour and enjoy the different things each of us can contribute. Sometimes it’s not easy to incorporate everyone’s ideas, approach and contributions yet something can always be learnt and maybe even incorporated at different times of at a later date.

Sibling Rivalry

“We must not be proud or make trouble with each other or be jealous of each other.” Galatians 5:26 It is hard when parents compare one child to another and say things like, “Why can’t you be more like your brother or sister” and then list all their goods points. Some parents do favour one child over another whether it is conscious or not. Sometimes it seems that everything is so easy for a certain brother or sister. A good parent will value each child as an individual and not favour or compare them in a negative way. When we compare ourselves to others or allow ourselves to get jealous of each other we fall into a trap that will distract and take us off course. When we get jealous of others we are saying to God that we are not thankful for who He made us to be and what He has given us. Jealousy springs of out comparing yourself to someone else. The enemy loves to get us to focus on what we don’t have so that we miss what we do have. Every good potential God has placed in you and the gifts you have to offer and are significant to God. Since God made you purposefully then to appreciate and celebrate all God has given you and made you to be is honouring God and being a good steward of your life. Since there is only ever going to be one of you in the whole universe then surely doing your part in whatever God leads you to do has significance. God doesn’t compare us but values and rewards the things He has for us to do.

Healing for all

When we value each person based on the assurance that we are all unique and have something unique to offer then we are stronger. Let’s celebrate our differences and continue to learn from each other. As we realize that we need each other and are better together we truly glorify our Father in heaven and will fulfill our destiny.

With our love and prayers,

Pastors Phil and Caroline.