PEACE AND MUTUAL UPBRINGING

WEDNESDAY 15 JUNE 2022

Sustaining our faith in Christ requires that our actions be disciplined by the virtues necessary to maintain peace and bond of common interest in the body of Christ. We are not called to function in confusion or to cause divisions, which is worldly and devoid of the Spirit. Therefore, by setting ourselves up as enlightened students of the Word, and by living on the ground of that enlightenment, we can pursue the things that aim for harmony in the church, and engage the values which lead to spiritual growth and edification among each other.

Reference: Romans 14:19 English Standard Version (ESV) "So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding."

Beloved, the order of mention is quite important. It is firstly, what makes for peace and secondly, for mutual upbringing. Without peace, there can never be a mutual upbuilding. Mutual upbringing here suggests "shared edification." Its like developing and building yourself like an edifice with those who share common goals with you [fellow Christians].

Now watch this: What were we asked to pursue? Notice that this very Scripture didn't say 'pursue peace' right away; rather it says, "Pursue what makes for peace." In other words, Paul is talking about the formula for peace. Did you get it? Simply put, what brings peace? You can't bypass the formula for peace if you really want to establish peace. Firstly, did you know that a simple deed such as sincere "kindness" can bring out the best in others and create a lasting impression in the gallery of their mind, which in turn, captivates peaceful socialization? But a lot of people take it for granted.

Secondly, seeking other people's interest is another formula for peace. It gives us a sense of awareness that we are all in this Kingdom exploit together. Philippians 2:4 reads, "Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too" (NLT). Indeed, we are all one in Christ. For this reason, we should aim to look out for one another. Thirdly, walking in love promotes peace among brethren. Therefore, ask the Spirit of God to empower you to walk in love and He will transform your association with everyone you come in contact with, for good. Colossians 3:14 says, "But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection."

Fourthly, submit to divine authority. Submitting to divine authority makes you humble enough to accept that some certain matters in life are simply beyond your human comprehension. James 4:7 reads, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (NIV). What I just shared is one of the deepest and most powerful Scriptures in the Bible. I call it an invitation to function under divine tutelage, which in turn, empowers us to dominate the devil at will. Remember, the Devil is the strongest enemy of peace and the chief priest of strife, conflict, hostility and dissension.

Beloved, Jude 1:20 says, "But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit" (NLT). This is mutual upbringing, according to referenced verse. As God's own people, we are those who are built up on our most effective faith - supported by all manner of prayer. This mutual upbringing denotes our outward glory and its only the manifestation that strikes the sense of ever-increasing glory, perfect peace, spiritual growth, and manifold blessing in the body of Christ. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Psalm 34:14; 1 Corinthians 10:23; Roman's 15:2; 1 Corinthians 14:12.

Guided Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, I thank you for the great duty of establishing peace and mutual edification or upbuilding with the saints. They strengthen and sustain me at the pinnacle of a firm foundation, which is my most holy faith. Your peace shelters me from all storms and my spiritual edification is the true evidence of sharing common interest with fellow saints in Christ, in Jesus' Name, Amen!