Live in Harmony

9-13-2012 by Boyd Bailey "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited." Romans 12:16 Relational harmony comes from humility. Yes, there are times for confrontation and clarity, but a chronic state of conflict is not healthy. Pride drives disharmony, but humility disarms discord. Fighting is not the forte of Jesus followers. A world caught up in conflict needs a safe, secure and stable environment. Indeed, faith facilitates harmony. Are you tempted by Satan to slight, even slander another brother or sister in Christ? Words that sow discord reap division. Has gossip caught you in a lie? If so, humble yourself and ask your offended friend for forgiveness. Or, if you have been talked about behind your back, don't pay back. Instead, pray for those who threaten harmony at home or work. Humility avoids destroying friendships. "Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other." Galatians 5:14b-15 Without harmony at home we walk with trepidation, even fear. We are afraid to speak truthfully lest we are made to feel little. So, during this season of emotional separation someone has to be the adult, someone has to model Christ. You have the opportunity to bring harmony to your home by replacing hurtful words with kind words. Forgive fast and do not fight in the flesh. Hold hands and pray together. Perhaps a respected third party needs to mediate between you and a work associate. Your severed relationship needs healing before others take sides. Resolve this relational disconnect sooner than later, so that emotional energy can be channeled into eternal efforts. Christ connects hearts with humility. A conceited countenance looks down on others, but an egoless eye looks to heaven for forgiveness. Therefore, be a harmonizer, not a demonizer. Be a team player not a stubborn troublemaker. Be a character builder not a character assassin. Be a uniter not a divider. Be a life-giver and generous giver full of mercy, grace and forgiveness. You are a connecter for Christ. So, connect first with your Heavenly Father, then you can connect with other Christ followers. Harmony brings heaven to earth. "My [Jesus] prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me." John 17:20-21 Prayer: Heavenly Father, make me an agent of harmony for heaven's sake. Related Readings: Psalm 133:1; Jeremiah 32:39; Ephesians 4:1-6; Philippians 4:1-3