Bound Together In Christ

"Today's Devotion" For April 25, 2007

Read: Ephesians 4:1-6
I Peter 3:8-18a

BOUND TOGETHER IN CHRIST

"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:3)

A community columnist in Wednesday's local newspaper was decrying the latest Supreme Court decision that upheld the prohibition against "partial-birth abortion." This person is a retired clergyperson and was arguing, not from a Scriptural perspective, but a humanistic perspective. A recent conversation "between a pro-choice advocate and an anti-abortion activist" broadcast over National Public Radio was noted by the columnist. The moderator had asked if there were any place that these two people could find common ground, since their arguments were the same rehashed ones heard ad infinitum. According to the columnist the "pro-choice person's" response was that both sides could work to prevent unplanned pregnancies and the reaction by the "anti-abortion proponent" was silence.

Now it seems to me that allowing for Christian freedom, this columnist and retired minister may speak his/her mind on this subject. I don't agree with abortion and have even graver misgivings about partial-birth abortions. Others would disagree. Yet, how are the people of God who are obviously on both sides of the question going to be able to discuss the issues when each sides deliberately disrespects the other.

For instance, take a look at the descriptions given of the two people in the conversation on NPR. The person in favor of abortion is "pro-choice" and an "advocate" (all positive phrases), while the person that doesn't approve of abortion is labeled as "anti-abortion" and an "activist" (both negative phrases). It's hard to seek "common ground" when one side wraps itself in positives and seeks to label the other side's position in the negative. It would hard to find any kind of common ground or a means of open communication if, by the same token, a person who doesn't approve of abortion would label someone in favor of it "pro-abortion" and an "activist" while labeling his/her position as "pro-life” and an "advocate." In the end, the same issue arises - how can people find common ground when they choose to use language that puts others down or minimizes them? It's disingenuous and intellectually dishonest to look for common ground when one isn't willing to treat those with whom the disagree with basic respect.

God's people are often at opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to many social decisions. Whether the issue is abortion, euthanasia, the death penalty, or a host of other social concerns, many time Christian people find themselves at odds with each other. Those who are called to be bound together in Christ are often found baiting each other, fighting one another, and hating each other. If we can't respect one another and deal with such issues using the power of God's Word, lovingly and patiently working with each other to come to a God-pleasing decision on such issues, then how can we expect the world to listen to the message of salvation in Jesus coming out of our mouths?

We have been called by the Gospel into the marvelous light of God's grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness in Christ Jesus. By the power of God's Word and Spirit, we have been led to repentance and hope in Christ. Faith in Christ is God's precious and marvelous gift to all who believe - it's not something anyone has gained by his/her own efforts and merits (Ephesians 2:8-9). God has gathered us together to be His family, His people, His redeemed children so that we might be lights to the world through our lives and words of faith and hope to others. How important it is for us to seek to live together in the Body of Christ in peace and unity. How essential to the witness of the Gospel it is for all who confess the name of Jesus to show what it means to walk together in love, compassion, and mercy, recognizing our differences and seeking to end them lovingly and honestly. Living in a world that has no use for God and His Christ, it becomes even more essential that God's people "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3).

Prayer: Father, there is perhaps no more difficult task I have as one of Your redeemed children than living according to Your will and Word. It's all too easy to succumb to the world's thinking and try to find ways to fit it into Your will. It's all too easy to argue with others about our differences than it is to find ways for us to talk with each other in love so that Your Word and Spirit can bring us to common ground and a true understanding of what is truly Your Will and purpose for each of Your children. Forgive me for speaking and acting in ways that seek to get the upper hand on those with whom I disagree; putting them down, speaking pejoratively of them, and otherwise finding ways to minimize them as people. By the power of Your Word and Spirit lead me instead to speak the truth in love, listen to what others of my brothers and sisters in Christ think and feel, and then to speak with Your Spirit's wisdom so that all might be blessed. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck

Copyright © 2007 by Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.