Unity in the Faith

January 8, 2020

DAILY READINGS

Ephesians 4:11-16
This weekend’s scripture:  Matthew 2:13-17

FIELD NOTES

My dad once served on what was a very contentious Staff-Parish Relations Committee. They were evenly divided down the middle, so when it came time to make decisions, it was almost impossible.

What eventually started happening, which made things infinitely worse—people started doing things out of spite. People began calling each other less than holy names. He even remembers a few four-letter words tossed in for good measure.

Instead of being a catalyst for growth, for maturation, this committee had devolved. It was sad. It was hurtful to the staff and to the congregation. It hurt the ministry of the church.

My dad always loathed serving on the committee, but stayed on in hopes that things could improve. I think he stayed because he hoped that they would one day come back together in the unity of the faith that brought them to the church in the first place.

He was much more patient than I have ever been.

Questions for the Field

1. How would you define unity in regards to the mission of the church?
2. In what ways do you contribute to being a unifying force in the Church?

Prayer Guide

Lord, may we work for the good of the people we serve and not our own self-interests. May we trust you more than our own preconceived ideas about how things should be done. May the love that comes from you be the driving force behind all that we do. Amen.