Bridges, not barriers!

building-bridgesTHE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 9:38-41
“Whoever is not against us is for us.” (Mark 9:40)
As we follow Jesus, we have more allies than we realize.
A person does not have to be “one of us” to be an ally.
There are many ‘denominations’ of Christians, yet we are one in Christ.
And even non-Christians can be allies and supporters in our kingdom work.
As we work in Jesus’ Name, anyone who helps us is considered a friend.
Even an atheist can help us, despite the fact that it is ‘in His Name’.
Jesus tells us to look for a ‘worthy person’ wherever we go (Matthew 10:11-13).
They are a gift from God, whether or not they believe in God or Jesus.
We need to build more bridges than barriers.
We need to stop drawing fences that keep people apart from us.
Jesus did not avoid us, though we were sinners, He became one with us.
As His followers, we are to go with Him, be like Him, love others for Him.
As I look at our church, we are blessed with many worthy persons of peace.
We are accepted – and to some extent supported – by atheists, agnostics and muslims.
They know we serve in Jesus’ Name, and they still give us ‘water’ to help us.
Their help blesses us, and our presence blesses them.
They may not be “one of us”, but they are one of His… they just don’t realize it yet!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for the many worthy people that support us in our serving in Your Name. May they come to appreciate You as they see Your love through us.

One Comment

  1. Observations/Application
    Not of our group?
    Are we jealous?
    Are we envious?
    ‘For he that is not against us is for us.’
    Love rejoices over our neighbour’s good. Envy does not. The love of God seeks the highest good for our neighbour. I need to be happy in the good that others are doing.
    Free me from envy and jealousy Lord. As the Lord showed kindness to all may I do the same to all who ask. I must be as generous and kind as He was and is this day as a Jesus follower. Love my neighbour.

    1 Dwell in me, O blessed Spirit!
    How I need your help divine!
    In the way of life eternal,
    keep, O keep this heart of mine.

    Refrain:
    Dwell in me, O blessed Spirit,
    gracious Teacher, Friend divine!
    For the kingdom work that calls me,
    O prepare this heart of mine.

    2 Grant to me your sacred presence;
    then my faith will ne’er decline.
    Comfort me and help me onward;
    fill with love this heart of mine.

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