Leadership: Divided Truth
Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls.
Luke 11:10 (ESV)
I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.
John 17:20-21 (NKJV)
Can Jesus be divided? Surely NOT, but with thousands of denominations in DISAGREEMENT, it might look that way.
If our divisions were just surface stuff (like our favorite songs or how we dress), diversity could be a healthy thing.
We could mix and mingle, because at heart, we're united… about Christ’s BIG message.*
Consider Paul: a masterful mixer!
From Greek debaters to island natives,
From Roman jailers to Jewish leaders,
From old traditions to new believers…
He always sought to find a common ground:
'For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified' (1 Corinthians 2:2). Paul kept it simple.
Consider Daniel: a royal mixer.
He traveled far and lived among idols.
He slept with lions and survived three wars.
He served four kings and influenced each one.
King Darius wrote: 'I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, and steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall endure to the end' (Daniel 6:26).
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
You, too, must become masterful mixers! In Hollywood and “holy wood” (churches), among both outsiders and insiders, look for common ground and keep it simple.
Rise above small walls, hard heads, and big talk. As leading members of our King’s new cast...
'Walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace...' (Ephesians 4:1-6)**.
Leadership: Divided Truth (Part 4)
* 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great Commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two Commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets' (Matthew 22:37-40).
** 'There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all Who is over all and through all and in all' (remainder of Ephesians 4:1-6).
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God– to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.
WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!