“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” Psalm 133:1 NIV
Together
Recently I’ve had company for a few hours, or for the day, some for a month, and some have stayed for a couple of months…mostly family members, and several that I consider my family because we’ve known each other for many years.
I love having company because I enjoy people, but there are those times when I need my quiet time (and so does my company)—even if it’s just for a short time—whether it be in God’s Word, writing, working in the yard, or walking my pup.
When we recognize the need that each one of us have for “our own space”, then “togetherness” really IS pleasant. We may have our occasional disagreements, but over the years we have learned to agree to disagree, and somehow still enjoy each other through it all. We’ve been comforted by each other in our various trials, which also has brought us closer together.
I’ve also lived with newly married couples that have their own arguments and disagreements, which can be uncomfortable and challenging for the rest of us—and I’ve found that prayer is the answer to that situation. I think most of us can say that we’ve all been there at some point in time.
I remember when I was a child hearing my Dad quote, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” found in Ecclesiastes 9:10. Our family has learned to do just that. We have our lists or projects to do each day—besides regular activities such as dinners, dishes, etc—and if we don’t accomplish our list for that particular day, then those items go to the top of the list for the next day. Some days we all work as a team and other days we have our individual projects, depending on our schedules.
This scripture for today is applicable for our church family as well. We are all on the “learning train” for how we should live together in unity. God created us to have a relationship with Him and with others and to enjoy each other and enjoy life even when we disagree with “whatever” it may be. It really shouldn’t matter, as long as we are all doing our part to better ourselves in Jesus, and render to Him all the glory.
Let us purpose to acknowledge each other’s differences and life choices, and enjoy each and every day as we face the challenge of unity in our family, our church, our community, and the world. The definition of unity is: absence of diversity; unvaried or uniform character, oneness of mind, feeling, etc. as among a number of persons; harmony.
Thank You, Lord, for our family and friends. May we continue to grow closer to You and closer to others. Thank You for Your Word. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.