Give up alienation and learn unity.
There have been other times when our nation as been at war with itself even though it feels like the times we live in now are the worst. We don’t like the angry words, the blaming, and the loss of a unified direction. Our nation doesn’t work well at such times, and it’s not the way that God wants us to live.
There are good illustrations of what happened to cultures when such disunity arose.
The people at Babel could not finish their tower when they could no longer communicate with each other. The nation of Israel split into north and south, with different capitals, worship centers, and different gods when they became politically estranged. And it’s not uncommon to learn of a church that splits due to arguments over petty issues.
It is also possible to be alienated from others simply by being indifferent to them, not spending time together, and not holding oneself accountable for investing in relationships. This is one of the reasons that the Lord’s Supper is important as a way of bringing us together.
When do you feel alienated from others? For what reason do you feel that way?
“Our bodies have many parts.. . but there is only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, ‘ I don’t need you. The head can’t say to the feet, ‘ I don’t need you ‘ God put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members. . . ” 1 Corinthians 12:18-26.
you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup. For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ you are eating and drining God’s judgment upon yourself,” 1 Corinthians 11:26-30.
“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God, ” Matthew 5:9.
“God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. . . . We are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us 2 Corinthians 5:18-21.
Two people are better than one, for they can help each other succeed.. . A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer . . . . A triple-braided cord is not easily broken. ” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.
Question: Where do you see signs of alienation in your community or church? What do you think causes it?
Activity: Find one way that you’d like to work on greater unity and collaboration in your church.
Prayer: Dear Father, we know that before the beginning of time you lived in community – Father, Son, and Spirit. And when you created the first person, you said, “living alone is not good. ” Please help us to see that we function best in community; we can protect and encourage each other. Please help us to stand together. In Jesus’ name. Amen.