The Root of Unity
by Sharon W. Betters
Today’s Treasure
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 4:1-4
Dear Friends,
2020 will be remembered as the year that was. I wonder if we will start asking each other, where were you when you first heard the word “social distancing” or rushed to your home after hearing the stealthy danger of a virus was especially dangerous to high risk older people (Chuck and me) or when you couldn’t find hand sanitizer or Lysol? Chuck and I were with family and friends at Disney World in mid-March. Like everyone, we had heard about the virus, but knew very little about the way it spread or even the danger to ourselves but we knew enough to be concerned. Our son, Dan, scrolled his phone as we waited for the show to start. He leaned over and said, “Disneyland just closed.” In that moment our world shifted and Chuck and I rushed home, not realizing we would be sheltering in place for several months. Just as we thought life might start returning to normal, a bad white cop was caught on video murdering a black man. Our world erupted in horror and chaos and destruction filled the news. People longing for the systemic sin of racism to be addressed peacefully protested, calling on our leadership to pay attention this time. The issues of the pandemic and the horror of racism created a perfect storm for division, even in families, churches, and close friendships. I am writing this several months before it will be published, so I have no idea where our world will be as you are listening or reading.
I find myself going back to the book of Philippians as a roadmap for how to navigate these painful days. Paul’s words are as powerful and instructive today as they were when he told the Philippians:
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:1-4
Paul exhorts his friends to “in humility count others more significant than themselves, to look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others”. What powerful words in a time of disunity and exhausting division. Only through humility that leads to unity will we experience the joy of being in Christ.
This week Teri Anderson is our guest writer for the What She Said series. Teri is a wife, mother, and grandmother and has served in women’s ministries for many years. Just before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed that we (His people) would all be one. In this series, Teri explains what that looks like through the gift of the church of Jesus Christ. She reminds us that much of what we are seeking in this chaotic world, we will find in the treasures of our inclusion in God’s family. Theology matters and helps us sort through our emotions in daily life. I encourage you to listen or read carefully to Teri’s invitation that we come, taste, and see that the Lord is good. His way is the good way, may we find it together.
Treasured by Him,
Sharon
LIFE GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
Carefully read John 17 and make note of the heart Jesus has for unity in His people. Consider your responses to the divisive issues in your personal world and ask Jesus to reveal if you are a life-giver or a life-taker.
Prayerfully prepare to hear Him speak life-giving words into your heart this week.
Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.
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Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.