Right Use of Power in the Church—Part XI—Our Unity Can Only Come from God

(Read: Right Use of Power in the Church—Part VIII—Imitate Christ’s Example)

(Read: Right Use of Power in the Church—Part IX—Jesus’ Intent for His Church, His People)

(Read: Right Use of Power in the Church—Part X—What Can We Learn from the Early Church?)

Our peace with one another begins with our individual and collective peace with God. The Lord is our peace and He also gives us rest and peace. This peace transcends that of the world as well as our circumstances. It has its roots in true reconciliation with God in Christ, restoring God’s intended harmony with us, each other, and the world. We are safe, secure, no longer striving and fighting. It is a life-giving shalom.

Out of that sense of settled-ness, we are called to live at peace with others. Psalm 133:1--How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

Take time now to pray through Philippians 4:4-9, rejoicing in the Lord’s nearness and asking the Lord to calm your anxiety with His peace, guarding your heart and your mind:

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

            8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Reflect:

·         What is one practice you can adopt that is intentional about bringing you closer to the Lord as your Source of Peace?

See Proverbs 14:30; 2 Peter 3:14; Psalm 133:1; Phil. 4:4-9.

Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and leaders in a diversity of fields for over 30 years. She has also been Catalyst for Equipping at her church since 1999. Contact her about growing your self- and other-awareness and life/ministry coaching.

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