Thursday: Getting Along
Paul was a hard worker with a strong personality and singleness of purpose. Such persons can be loners with few friends but many admirers. However, on his travels, two or three fellow workers often accompanied Paul.
Image © Krieg Barrie from GoodSalt.com
At least eight of these close fellow workers are mentioned by name (Acts 13:2; Acts 15:22, Acts 15:37; Acts 16:1-3; Acts 19:22; Col. 4:7, Col. 4:10-11; Philemon 24). To this must be added Paul’s greetings to 24 people in Romans 16, in addition to general greetings to households.
The apostle believed in teamwork, especially in pioneering situations. At the same time, however, he did at times have conflict with fellow laborers.
Read Acts 15:38-41. What happened here, and what does it tell us about the humanity of even these great workers for the Lord?
It was here that Mark, overwhelmed with fear and discouragement, wavered for a time in his purpose to give himself wholeheartedly to the Lord’s work. Unused to hardships, he was disheartened by the perils and privations of the way. . . . This desertion caused Paul to judge Mark unfavorably, and even severely, for a time. Barnabas, on the other hand, was inclined to excuse him because of his inexperience. He felt anxious that Mark should not abandon the ministry, for he saw in him qualifications that would fit him to be a useful worker for Christ.
—Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 169, 170.
The account in Acts reveals that Paul expected his companions to persevere in the toils and perils of their mission. For Paul, the close team constituted a church in miniature. He stressed the importance of setting a good example, the imitation model of mission. Dutiful yet loving relationships among team members became a pattern for the churches, which were often based on households. The team also provided an ideal setting for the training of new evangelists and missionaries. Of course, at times things didn’t always run smoothly, as in the case of John Mark.
Read 2 Timothy 4:11. What does this text reveal about growth and forgiveness?
We all make mistakes. How can you learn to forgive those whose mistakes have hurt you? And think also about those whom you’ve hurt with your mistakes. How have you sought to bring healing in those situations? Or if you haven’t yet, why not do it now?
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Ideally in the body of Christ everybody would get along. However the church is made up of faulty believers who not all may have a submissive attitude, which is necessary for harmony (Ephesians 5:21).
One party cannot guarantee a wholesome relationship. It takes all involved. God does not impose control on any individual to ensure that they get along. And He certainly does not go along with the wishes of others just to get along (Amos 3:3).
Still Jesus said the sign of discipleship is loved shared among the believers (John 13:35). None may control another’s attitude, but each may love independent of another’s disposition. To love the unlovable is a distinguishing feature of those united with Christ (Luke 6:28; Romans 12:14).
In fact the revelation of the character of Jehovah among those who are being sealed is not to be made distinct by people getting along with those whom they like. Humanists, ungodly people with fun personalities, and the pretentious may put on a better show (Matthew 5:46-48).
It is when the saints are persecuted or reviled and do not respond in kind (1 Peter 2:23) that the peculiarity is made plain (1 Peter 2:9). A people preparing for the time of the mark of the beast ought to understand this.
None may do anything so grievous as to lessen the love of the Savior in any measure; not even Satan. The Christ-like get to imitate this by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:35-39).
I have found these three texts helpful in my dealings with others.
Not matter what others do, I can choose how I react.
Just because others are horrible, I don't have to lower myself to their level.
If I die to my human nature then I can't be insulted, they are talking to Jesus who through the Holy Spirit lives in me and He can handle it, remember when they were crucifying Him and rejecting Him, He said "forgive them for they know what they do?"
Rom 12:18 If possible, as much as depends on you, keeping peace with all men.
Mat 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you,
Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.
Those who are strong in the faith should help the weak otherwise,they may discourage them leading to the lost of their soul.
Amen Shirley de Beer! Time brings about a change when we die daily to self.