Devotion
A House Divided
Frances Taylor
Today, Christianity is divided. I'm not necessarily speaking about denominational differences because as long as a denomination is accurately presenting Jesus' message of the Good News, there is no problem. The problem comes when people who call themselves "Christian" preach and teach a false gospel. Just as there were Jewish leaders who tried to challenge Jesus in his own time because they didn't like what he was teaching, there are people today who don't want to follow the totality of his message. We learn from Paul that there is "One Lord, One Faith and One Baptism, One Lord of All." If this is true, then why do we consider one baptism more valid than another? If the Lord is Lord of all, then why do some claim to belong more to the Lord than others?
Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, chastises them for their divisions saying, "I am of Paul and I am of Apollos," etc. Paul reminds them that if they were baptized into Christ, that should be the end of it. It doesn't matter who led you to Christ, it's more important that we came to him. Let us work together to help end a spirit of division among all of us who are blessed to be baptized into Christ Jesus, our Lord.
Prayer
Lord, just as you are one and Jesus prayed that we all should be one, help us to work together to end division among your people. Amen.
Night Prayer
But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
Inspiration
When Jesus gives us instructions, do we willingly obey, or do we try to negotiate? Do we want to love all of our neighbors, or do we try to select just the ones that are easy to love? We must guard against trying to bend Jesus’ words to fit our will. Instead, we must hear all of His words- even the ones that challenge us- so that we can be prepared to walk in full obedience to Him.
Prayer
Jesus, You call me to love my neighbor. And I confess that I have not loved all of my neighbors the way that You love me. I’ve looked down on some and shut others out. Please help me to see all people as my neighbors and to love them with Your love, so that I may serve You by serving whoever You place in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
