TOGETHER WE SERVE HIM

Only live your lives in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear about your circumstances, that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind contending together for the faith of the gospel, in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. Philippians 1:27-28

   One year in college our Coach heard about a war canoe race around Manhattan and signed up the school to participate. Our opponents were six war canoes from Canada and various places around the US. Prior to the race our team of 16 men practiced paddling together by sitting around the college swimming pool. Race day was our first day in the canoe, whereas our opponents were all clubs that raced regularly. Impossible. Then there was paddling north on the west side of Manhattan against the current of the Hudson River flowing toward the Atlantic Ocean. We were in the lead for much of the race, but a tactical error dropped us to second with about 1/4 of the race to go. We dug deep, however, and won by less than a minute over the 8 hour race. Why? Because we worked hard together toward that common goal.

   It sometimes seems the true church is in a losing fight, in part because we waste time and energy fighting against each other. But when we worship, pray, and study the Bible standing firm in one spirit, with one mind contending together for the faith of the gospel, in no way alarmed by our opponents, it is amazing to see what God does. Are you one spirit with everyone in your church?

Jeffrey Eno