WEEK 39 – DAY 1

COOPERATION

I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other of my fellow labourers, whose names are in the book of life. Philippians 4:2-3

Even in Paul’s day the church ladies got into tiffs (LOL). It probably happened among the men as well, just as it does today. We know these women were believers because they had worked with Paul to spread the gospel, and he says their “names are in the book of life.” However, they had an ongoing argument between them that was hindering their effectiveness in proclaiming Christ. Whenever there is strife in the body of Christ, we lose effectiveness in our witness. Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). The love of God must be evident between us. We must seek and give forgiveness when disagreements arise. We must allow each other to exercise our various gifts and respect each one’s efforts even if we cannot completely agree on how a goal is to be accomplished. As much as possible we must have peace among us (Romans 12:18). If we are having a hard time getting along with someone, we need to check our own attitude. Are we feeling superior to her, telling ourselves she just doesn’t know as much as we do? In other words, are we being conceited?  If we think anything or anyone is “beneath us”, we had better take a reality check. We are supposed to be of the same mind as Christ who “made himself of no reputation, and took on him the form of servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7).

Father, do what it takes to conform us to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). Lord, take away any haughtiness and enable us to be true friends to people from all walks of life. Let our relationship with Jesus be evident through our love for each other.