Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV)
Like Minded
As far back as 1992, political scientists were promoting closer economic ties between Australia and Canada. According to a report that year by the Canadian Political Science Association, “The pairing of Australia and Canada has become a rich source of comparative studies with respect to foreign economic policy. This matching has been largely inspired by the like-mindedness of the two countries. In terms of substantive policy issues, the two countries have been the focus of attention for empirically detailed studies on a wide number of topics.”
***
I grew up in a Christian family and came into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ when I was 15. So, I’ve been around church and Christians for over six decades. I’ve never seen followers of Christ so divided, over politics, pandemic protocols and pet peeves. Social media has played a big part in this division. I know one thing for sure – this isn’t the will of God for His people. The church in Corinth was also divided and the apostle Paul deals with the division this way in 2 Corinthians 13:11: “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” If there was ever a time for the command to “strive for full restoration … be of one mind, live in peace” it is now. Our witness in the world has been marred by division and disagreement. It is time for us to all get before the Lord in repentance and seek His restoration and renewal. We are commanded to get along, and work together for the glory of God and the salvation of the nations.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley