Unity

UNITY
1Samuel 20:2
“…Jonathan replied, ‘You’re not going to die! Look, my father doesn’t do anything, great or small, without confiding in me. Why should he hide this from me?’”

King Saul went crazy with jealous rage over David’s popularity among the Israelites and Israel’s troops—again. (See Tackling Discord devotion). Jonathan, Saul’s son, reiterated (re-IT-ter-a-ted, meaning say again) David’s loyalty, hoping to convince his Dad of David’s reliability.

But it didn’t work, and David fled to the prophet Samuel at Haioth, Ramah. Saul dispatched men to capture David and return him (1Samuel 19-18-23).

Failing to bring David back, Saul went after David, himself. Saul’s death threat against David led Jonathan to avow his love again. Together, they agreed to a plan. Check out 1Samuel 20:9-43, and decide whether they loved each other as brothers.

Why is unity so hard?

Does unity mean we all have to agree?

1 Corinthians 12:12-13 says, “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts, and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given one Spirit.”

Every believer is indispensible (in-dis-PEN-sa-ble, meaning necessary) to the body of Christ. While we have different talents and interests, working together, our unity glorifies the Father.

Unity does not mean that everyone’s opinions or goals are identical. Each person is uniquely created, which means that no one person is like another. But our common purpose is the same—to serve and honor God.

Ephesians 4:12-13: “…to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith…”

Take Home Nugget

Unity was not King Saul’s intent as long as jealousy gripped his heart. Infighting among family, friends, and organizations erupt with harsh accusations during conflict. But Scripture proclaims God’s sovereignty over nature (Psalm 135:6), government (Job 12:23), and mankind (Acts 17:25). When united believers strive together, God proves His sovereignty. God cannot fail, even under adverse circumstances.

Striving for unity does not mean avoiding conflict entirely; it means handling discord appropriately. Mismanaged conflict leads to fractured relationships. Avoiding conflict leads to unresolved hurt and anger. Believers arrive at peaceful resolutions to disagreements when relying on the Holy Spirit’s lead.
Psalm 34:14 says, “Search for peace, and work to maintain it.”

We’re never alone, or on our own.
Confident in unity, believers are Ambassadors of Christ.

J.D. Griffith

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Tackling Discord

TACKLING DISCORD
1Samuel 19:1, 4-5
“Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David…Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, ‘Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly. He took his life in his hands when he killed the philistine. The Lord won a great victory for all Israel, and you saw it and were glad. Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man like David by killing him for no reason?’”

Jonathan, and David were as close as any brothers could possibly be, and struggled to stay alive during many demanding times. When Jonathan’s Dad, King Saul, was so jealous that he wanted to kill David, Jonathan went into combat mode to protect his friend.

Yes, the Philistine, in the Scripture verses at the beginning of this devotion, is Goliath!

Jonathan’s Dad was jealous because David killed the giant, and achieved rock star popularity. Not only was David adored by the Israelites, but revered among the soldiers. King Saul wanted their respect more than being grateful for David’s battle victories. The conflict was within the Saul’s heart, but his jealous rage erupted on his son, Jonathan.

Your household may not be as chaotic as theirs, but we can learn much by how Jonathan reacted. Like Saul, people often look for someone to criticize during conflict. The best way to handle anger during a crisis is to turn to the Lord in prayer. We can then ask the Father to provide us spiritual discernment—because He already knows everything about our problem. Often, when jealousy invades someone’s heart, objective discussion becomes impossible, and tension rules. With the Spirit’s help, gaining insight into the situation often leads believers to manage a peaceful resolution.

Human nature automatically shifts into the defense mode during warfare, (personal attacks on oneself). Hasty reactions yield disputes, and tempers flare.

How to dissolve discord?

Focusing on God provides believers a calm, supernatural pause, and inner peace (John 14:27). Jesus told His disciples that the Holy Spirit would provide wisdom to speak correct words when facing hostility (Luke 12:11-12). Sometimes it’s best to not say anything.

Words spoken in anger can never be taken back.

Take Home Nugget

God has called us to represent Him in every situation—the same way Christ did—by depending on our heavenly Father.

Lord, help me to turn aside
From saying words that spring from pride.
Teach us to act as Jesus had done,
Praising You with battles won.

J.D. Griffith

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Hallow Living

HALLOW LIVING
2Timothy 2:14-26
V.15: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

“How are you going to dress up?” Cassie asked Brenda, walking to their school bus.

“Not telling! Mom got me a costume last week, and I love it. You’re just going to have to guess, Cassie!” Brenda giggled at Cassie’s open mouth.

The last day of October, in the United States, is a fun holiday where kids and some adults dress into costumes and party. The name of the celebration is Halloween. This is shortened from the original “All Hallow’s Eve.” We don’t use the word hallow much anymore, but in Scripture, the word hallow means sanctify. This means to make holy, make sacred, or consecrate, set apart.

The name of God is not the only thing that believers hallow. (In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught us, “Hallowed be Your name”, Matthew 6:9). St. Paul urged Timothy to be a vessel sanctified and useful for the Lord. This is for us today, too. We’re to live “hallowed”, or righteous, every day.

This means that Christian believers are to be set apart from the world by pursuing righteousness, loving others peacefully by faith. With a pure heart, we are supposed to avoid foolish and stupid arguments. We’re to resist quarrelling and evil desires. Senseless fighting causes disputes.

The Lord’s disciples (you and me, all believers) must not squabble. We’re to be kind to everyone, ready to teach without offending. If anyone opposes us, we’re to gently instruct the truth. Our hope is that God will lead them to His Word. This is the only way they can escape the devil’s trap of taking people captive to his will (2Timothy 2:24-26).

“What are you guys dressing up as?” Brenda said to the kids boarding the bus.

Randy pretended to whip a sword up and down, “a pirate, matey. Dare to board my ship?” He ran onto his bus laughing.

Trevor and Jesse looked at each other, then Jesse said, “We’ll be soldiers in a foxhole, back to back.”

The kids hope to fill their bags to overflowing with sweet treats as they parade from door to door, or to parties in neighborhood centers.

Take Home Nugget

Does thinking of these sweet treats remind us to be uplifted while set apart from the world? How do I present myself to others? Is my face set in an angry frown, or does my mouth stay in a ready smile that welcomes interaction with others?”

Is our greatest satisfaction being used for God’s Kingdom?

J.D. Griffith

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Relationship Challenges

RELATIONSHIP CHALLENGES

Proverbs 12:14
“From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.”

Galatians 6:7-10
V. 7: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”

The three kids (Jesse, Cassie, and Randy) fell down, laughing hysterically. (See Being Vulnerable Devotion). “I am sorry for passing this gossip around, Cassie. My bad.” Randy admitted after catching his breath.

“Mark’s a good-looking guy, Randy. If he weren’t my cousin, I would be tempted to…oh no—that’d be too weird!” Cassie exclaimed—hands clamping her mouth shut.
They all burst out laughing again.

Jesse only knew that his heart was bursting with happiness, after having resolved this gossip issue between his classmates.

The person who sows in the Spirit, reaps eternal life. Jesse’s positive actions reaped benefit to all involved. Randy’s negative actions of spreading gossip could easily have led to harm. The difference between Jesse and Randy is who, or what each boy follows. When following the flesh, instead of God’s Spirit, people sow corruption.

What do corrupt actions reap?

This sowing/reaping (Relationship Challenges) devotion is a corollary (COR-ol-lar-ee, meaning a natural accompaniment) to the Being Vulnerable devotion. As we follow Jesus’ second greatest command (to treat others as we’d like to be treated), our actions reap benefits to everyone. Sowing kindness and respect towards others reap rewards and good will.

God sees all.

Walking in God’s Spirit also rewards believers with supernatural gifts. These are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Galatians 5:22-23). These gifts transform believers from the inside out, and provide all that is needed to live victoriously.

The challenge is to treat mean people with undeserved love and respect. Accepting this challenge and treating everyone well is always a win-win. Believers receive God’s blessings when following Jesus in obedience to His commands.

Do we recognize that obedience makes forgiveness possible, builds good character, and develops endurance?

What does sowing harmful actions reap? God sees all.

Take Home Nugget

When God’s children lead Spirit-filled lives, relationship challenges showcase God’s love in every circumstance. Living in the Spirit sows seeds of love, joy, and peace. This reaps rewards in our own lives, as well as in the lives of others (2 Corinthians 9:6).

Living a Spirit-filled life overcomes self-destructive needs to harbor bitterness and anger.

Love looks beyond what people are to how God intended them to be.

J.D. Griffith

“Lord, help us to believe in people
And all that in them You can do,
So we can say we’ve loved too many,
Rather than too few.”

Sper

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BEING VUNERABLE
Matthew 22:36-40
V. 39: “And the second [greatest commandment] is like it [the first]: ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’”.

“Wait here” Jesse told Randy, and ran to the soccer field where the girls were playing at recess. (See Juicy Gossip Devotion).

“Hey Cassie, can you come with me for a minute?

“What’s this about, Jess?” Cassie asked, walking along side, slightly out of breath.

“Randy said something that I hope you can straighten out.”

“What did he say?”

“He said you went parking with Mark Johnson after the football game last Friday.” Cassie laughed out loud. “You’re gonna live this, Jesse!”

“Hey Randy!” Cassie demanded. “What’s this I hear?”

“What’s going on with you and Mark Johnson?” Randy asked, his face a smirk.

“I love Mark, Randy. But I doubt that you’d understand.”

Sometimes, following Jesus makes ourselves vulnerable (VUL-ner-ab-le, meaning exposed, at risk). Cassie may or may not have a valid reason for exposing her love for Mark, but she proclaimed her love without excuse.

Jesse did what he thought was right—exposing Randy’s gossip to the light. He trusted God to handle the consequences.

Relationships can be complicated. Jesus wants us to treat others as we’d like to be treated. This Golden Rule, Matthew 22:39, is often difficult when we feel helpless—exposed in the light of truth. Regardless of our circumstances, God’s rule always applies.

What if kindness, or a loving attitude opens the door to additional hurt? Obedience is challenging, isn’t it? Even the youngest kids seem to know better than to open themselves up to pain and ridicule. In defense of our actions, we often weave a tangled web of lies. This always leads us to treat another badly, and is disobedient to Jesus’ command.

Human nature wants to avenge wrong. In fact, we cannot do otherwise on our own strength.

Thankfully, God provides us help. The hidden secret in treating others the way we’d like to be treated comes from our friend, the Holy Spirit. Believers’ indwelt guide steers God’s kids to be obedient in every situation.

The Holy Spirit also protects us from risk of getting hurt when obeying God. He soothes pain, provides strength, and inspires us to forgive.

Treating others the way we’d like to be treated, regardless of what the world proclaims, is a win-win every time.

Take Home Nugget

When Jesse exposed Randy’s claim to Cassie, a door opened for an opportunity where everyone could save face (keeping everyone’s dignity intact).

“So, you love Mark?” Randy sounded sarcastic.

“Yes, silly, he’s my cousin!” Cassie finally admitted.

Obedience doesn’t always seem to make sense, but trusting God always makes sense.

J.D. Griffith

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Juicy Gossip

JUICY GOSSIP
Matthew 20:20-28
V. 26: “…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant…”

“Did you hear what Cassie did last week after the football game?” Randy asked Jesse as they passed football during recess.

Jesse looked over to see the girls’ soccer game. Finding Cassie, he said, “No, what did she do?”

“I heard that she went with Mark Johnson in his car—you know that he’s a Junior—and they went parking in a deserted lot on the outskirts of town.”

Jesse’s heart sank. “Who says?”

“Well, um, it’s common knowledge. The guys in high school are passing it around…She’s become a hot ticket.”

Jesse shrugged his shoulders, and replied, “Well, if she did, that’s her business…didn’t you sign the “Honest Dealing” poster yesterday?” (See Honest Dealing devotion ).

“Yeah, Jesse, we all did. Didn’t you feel pressured to sign it?”

“Not really, Randy. I like the pact for all students to do their best…Is gossiping your best, Randy?”

“It’s not gossip is it’s true.” Randy alleged. “It could be true! You know how Cassie flaunts herself…She’s a “ho”, Jesse, admit it! Didn’t you strip her of her bathing suit top at the pool?”

“That was wrong, Randy, and I’m sorry for having disrespected Cassie like that…I’m calling you out to stop spreading this lie.”

“Oh please, Jesse! I refuse to be called out by you—of all people!”

Peer-level bullying, back stabbing, innuendo (IN-NU-en-do means suggestion), infighting, sabotage (SAB-o-taj means to interfere with, disrupt, or harm), infringing on someone’s privacy, and many other offenses—like gossiping—are all labeled lateral hostility. Lateral, because it occurs among same level people, or peers. The attack always intends harm. Usually, because of a power imbalance, people threaten lateral aggression towards others.

This destructive behavior wounds and intimidates. It is found within all vocations and walks of life: churches, government, schools, even within families. Kids are most vulnerable, because they’re at the bottom rung of the power ladder.

Even Jesus’ disciples jockeyed for position in God’s kingdom. The mother of James and John, Zebedee’s sons, asked Jesus for a favor. Could her two sons be seated at His right and left hand in His kingdom? (Matthew 4:21). Jesus’ answer appears at the beginning of this devotion.

Take Home Nugget

Randy tried spicing up recess with this juicy gossip, but Jesse stopped it cold. At least some of the sixth graders took "Honest Dealing" seriously. Following Jesus is important to Jesse, and spreading vicious gossip had to end. He served his classmates, especially Cassie, by nipping Randy’s gossip in the bud.

Only those who serve are qualified to lead.

J.D. Griffith

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Honest Dealing

HONEST DEALING
Acts 5:1-11
V. 3: “Then Peter said, ‘Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?’”

Mr. Graham, Jesse and Trevor’s 6th grade teacher, stood before the class. As the students filed in for a new day, emptying backpacks, and chatting with classmates, he watched silently.

“Mr. G. what’s up?” Jesse asked, raising his hand as he sat down.

The class froze—hearing Jesse speak, and looked at their teacher—curious for his answer.

“I’m waiting for your full attention, class.”

With everyone seated quietly, he began. Peering intently into thirty pair of wondering eyes, Mr. Graham offered, “I’ve got a proposition for you. What do you say to our forming a pact? If you trust me to teach and lead you honestly, will you agree to be honest students…no cheating on tests? No stealing things from another’s desk, no telling lies, no swearing?” clearing his throat, he allowed that to sink in. Tacking a large poster on the bulletin board entitled, HONEST DEALING, he turned around and offered a marker to Adam, sitting in the isle seat—the first of five rows. “Adam, will you sign your name anywhere on the poster?”

Adam took the marker and stood up smiling at his classmates.

“Before you sign it, Adam,” Mr. Graham warned, “remember there are sixty-two eyes watching you agree to our HONEST DEALING pact.” Adam hesitated, looking around. Biting his lower lip, he prepared to sign the poster. Reaching high, Adam signed his name in the upper right hand corner. Mr. Graham continued, “Class, each of you are to hold Adam accountable for agreeing to our Honest Dealing pact. If any of you catch Adam cheating, lying, stealing, or swearing, he must answer to you. That’s holding him responsible for his actions…Same thing for everyone who signs this poster.”

Adam walked haltingly towards his desk, and handed the marker to Brittany.

All thirty kids signed the poster.

Do you agree that Mr. Graham’s pact acted as moral guidance, keeping the kids honest? (See Moral Guidance devotion).

Take Home Nugget

In today’s Scripture passage, Ananias and Sapphira thought that they could get away with lying. They quickly and fatally discovered differently. They didn’t even have time to repent (vv.5,10).
The power we have to deal honestly comes from the indwelling Holy Spirit of God. Righteous living is His will for believers, so that our lives show testimony to others. Proverbs 12:22 encourages believers to deal truthfully.

There are no degrees of honesty.

J.D. Griffith

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