How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. 3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. (Psalm 133). Do you look for what separates one person from the next or what draws people together? Why is it that living in unity and harmony is so difficult? I’ve often wondered. Perhaps it is the need to define oneself by what is different. Perhaps it is easier to live separately because harmony requires compromise and love. Maybe it is the need to feel or believe we are in control. Unity requires a larger objective than personal choice. Unity requires unselfishness and the relinquishing of power and status. Unity requires making room and giving space to someone else. Though it is difficult, it was sought by God’s people in both the Old and New Testaments. The above psalm is one of the Songs of Ascent that people sang during temple worship during the Feast of Tabernacles. Living in peace was so vital that it is compared to the consecration of Aaron as High Priest—no small achievement. Jesus prayed for relational peace and harmony for every follower of his in his High Priestly Prayer (John 17:20-23). When we live in unity, we model God’s heart, glorify Him and give witness to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. There is glory in living in harmony and peace with one another. This week, instead of seeing what separates, look for what draws people together. Look for what you have in common with those around you. Invite God’s Spirit to give you the eyes to see what God sees in another person. Strive for harmony.  This Week’s Readings: *Monday – Acts 17, Acts 18 *Tuesday – Acts 19, Acts 20 *Wednesday – Acts 21, Acts 22, Acts 23 *Thursday – Acts 24, Acts 25, Acts 26 *Friday – Acts 27, Acts 28 Prayer Requests: *Heal those who are sick and protect those who are not. *Comfort those who are grieving and in distress. *Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times. *Guidance for those seeking to find their way. *Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC. |
| “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6 |