“Only one thing concerns me: Be sure that you live in a way that brings honor to the Good News of Christ. Then whether I come and visit you or am away from you, I will hear that you are standing strong with one purpose, that you work together as one for the faith of the Good News,” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:27‬ ‭NCV‬‬

2020. Thankfully, it is now a very recent memory. But something is going to happen as time goes on. We are going to look back and see how the effects of the global pandemic acted like a magnifying glass, exposing the tensions and splits that have long been at work in our nation and in our individual lives. When you were locked down at home with your family, did underlying conflicts come to the surface? Did what was already difficult in your relationships seem to intensify? We saw that on a national level, didn’t we? It was painful, very painful. And, unfortunately, we also saw it among our brothers and sisters in Christ. Instead of working together for the faith of the Good News, we quibbled about masks and whether or not churches should re-open. Here’s a challenge: Did your reactions during lockdown honor the Good News of Christ? Did you amplify unity or deepen division at home or nationally?

We live in a world full of division. The news headlines are full of conflict and conflagration. What begins as a war of words often escalates into full on war. When those fighting words are among believers then I believe it hurts the heart of God. He loves all of His children and wants them to get along. Why? Because it is His desire that none should perish (2 Peter 3:9). God wants all the people of the earth to hear His message and He has designed that to happen in only one way: Through the people of God. How can that message go forth if we are divided? 

So, let’s make this really personal. Who is that person that gets under your skin? Come on. Admit it. You know who it is! Are you seeing that face in your mind? We all have at least one person whose presence is like Brillo in our lives. Whenever we are around them there is constant friction, if not on the outside, then at least inside of us. But the thing about a Brillo pads is that, although there is a lot of friction, the pad is filled with soap, so in the midst of the abrasion, there is cleansing. Had you ever considered that Brother Brillo or Sister Scouringpad just might be God’s gift to you? 

What part do you and I play in healing the divide? Here’s a clue: How do you treat Brother Brillo or Sister Scouringpad?

Divisions among believers destroys our witness. Paul encouraged his beloved friends, the Philippians, to make living out their faith together their priority SO THAT the truth and power of THE GOSPEL is confirmed. He wanted their number one goal to be his number one goal: The spread of the message about Christ. How’s that for challenge?!

The reason to live the faith, the reason to walk in unity, the reason to walk worthy of Christ is SO THAT others will follow Him. If we love Christ then our purpose must be His purpose: The spread of the message of God's loving desire to unite all humanity with Himself through the cross. Our unity with each other confirms the truth of the message in the face of persecution. The spread of the message must be the priority. Paul prayed that his friends would love God and love people in such a deep way that the character of their lives would draw others to live the same way. This is what increases God’s glory and praise. 

What would it look like if you and I lived that way? How does this challenge you in your relationship with other people? With believers? With unbelievers? Got that face back at the front of your mind?

Some things to remember in navigating those abrasive relationships: 

Purpose over preference. Is the tension you feel with that person the result of conflicting preferences? They like a certain style of preaching or prayer or music or clothing and you just can’t stand it or feel like it’s wrong? Ask yourself if the issue is really an issue. Is it just about your preference? At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is the Gospel. So, what is really important? To wear or not wear a mask?The color the committee chose for the new carpet at the church? Churches have split over the color of carpet and people have bitterly left a church over decorating choices. Really! During the pandemic people left churches over masks and reopening plans. What kind of witness do you want to be to your unbelieving friends, family and neighbors? Do they really need to hear about your disagreement with decisions or design? The purpose of the church, the purpose of our relationship with other believers is SO THAT we can work together for the sake of the Gospel. What if we made our priority being ready to receive people seeking a relationship with Christ? We’ve got to check our preferences and focus on the one purpose that matters most: Proclaiming the message of Christ. 

People over projects. Sometimes that person gets on your nerves because they seem to be opposing what you are trying to get done. They seem to get in the way of every step you are trying to take toward accomplishing some goal or they contradict every idea that you have. Maybe your teenager challenges every ideal that you hold dear. 

Here’s the truth: The only thing that lasts forever is people. Your project won’t go to heaven with you. Your ideals won’t be worked out at your heavenly mansion. But that abrasive person has an eternal destiny and you get to be a part of that. Relationships last forever. So, when push comes to shove, put that person above your project and even your ideals. Your relationships are always, ALWAYS, more important than whatever it is that you are trying to do. Even if that thing you are trying to do is for God. Jesus died for people. His greatest desire is to see every person be saved and grow in relationship with HIm. Your goal in every relationship is to take that person at least one step closer to Jesus. That trumps your project EVERY time. 

Pursue peace with all people. This is not easy. I understand. But Jesus is the Prince of Peace. As HIs subjects — no, as His family — we have a responsibility to further advance His Kingdom of peace. So, no matter who it is, or how vehemently you disagree, no matter how far to the other side of the political spectrum they go or how vigorously they contradict your faith, you MUST pursue peace. “As far as it depends on you live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18) NO exceptions. NO qualifiers. As far as it depends on YOU. If they don’t sign the peace agreement, you still have to abide by it. God won’t let you off the hook. 

Why? Because the Gospel is our primary purpose. The Gospel is your priority because it is God’s priority. 

My Dear Friend, your Brillo may not be my Brillo, and your Scouringpad may not be my Scouringpad. I see those faces in my mind just as well as you do. Let’s commit to stand together with one purpose and work together for the Gospel. Let’s commit together to make God’s purpose our purpose. When we are united with Him and each other we cannot fail.  My one hand is reaching out to you and the other hand is reaching toward THAT person. Will you do the same? Are you with me?

Key Thought: Division damages our witness for the Gospel. 

A Scripture to consider: “Only one thing concerns me: Be sure that you live in a way that brings honor to the Good News of Christ. Then whether I come and visit you or am away from you, I will hear that you are standing strong with one purpose, that you work together as one for the faith of the Good News,”‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:27‬ ‭NCV

A YES challenge: Think for a moment about that person who really gets on your nerves. Take a few moments in prayer and ask God to reveal to you why that person is a problem for you. Remember the issue is your reaction to their behavior, not their behavior. Repent of your attitude as necessary and pray for that person. Ask God how you can help them move one step closer to Jesus. 

Let's pray: Father, help me to love You and to love people in a way that inspires others to do the same. Forgive me for allowing preference and projects to overshadow the people. Help me to work with You and with Your people for the advancement of the Gospel. Amen!