Growing up, the “true test” of courage, toughness and masculinity was how well you fared in a fight. How fun that was!!!!
~ NOT! Peer pressure, insecurities and a part of me that wanted to prove myself led me to brawl. It was great when the other guy was chicken - but not so great when he was tough and unafraid.

Too often, Christians - people who genuinely love the Lord and desire to follow God by loving others, fall into the trap of brawling with one another. It comes in deadly, sneaky forms like gossip - talking stink about others, disagreements that lead to bitterness - or what about “cold shoulders” and avoiding people you don’t like? The results can poison a community of sincere people who want to grow in Christ, but get disillusioned because someone gets hurt and begins to fight with gossip and bad attitudes and behavior.

Philippians 1:27

• But whatever happens to me, you must live in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ, as citizens of heaven. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing side by side, fighting together for the Good News.

Paul was imprisoned but not embittered. He was a leader who encouraged Christians to FIGHT!
Of course! Fighting TOGETHER, not against each other!

Are we standing side by side with the family of God? Even those who have hurt us, avoided us, talked about us behind our backs, given us funky looks…???

Today, I will choose to Fight…not to prove myself for pride sake, attention, to be accepted or selfish gain. Today, I choose to stand side by side with fellow family and soldiers of Christ, to FIGHT and BRAWL together for the GOOD NEWS!

This entry was posted on Saturday, July 14th, 2007 at 10:21 am and is filed under Leadership, Relationships, Volunteers. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.