Ephesians 4:5-6
For us there is only one Lord, one
faith, one baptism, and we all have the same God and Father who is over
us all and in us all, and living through every part of us.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
Today is Nathan’s fourth
birthday. All three children came to visit us for the day while their
parents were at work. Nathan immediately spotted the birthday gifts we
had wrapped and placed on the table for him, so he opened those right
away…a Paw Patrol book, a Spider-Man mask that talks, and a Spider-Man
glove that makes noises like it is “shooting webs.” Zola watched with
anticipation as each gift was unwrapped…and she even helped with the
more difficult task of removing ribbons from the packages. Timothy
stood on the fringes and pretended not to care…but he was more than a
little interested in the new toys.
Even at 7, 5 and 4 years of
age, these children have interesting and unique personalities. Still,
there are common denominators. They all have the capacity to be loving
and spontaneously appreciative. They all enjoy swimming, Batman and
other superheroes, and certain television programs…like Paw Patrol, Team
Umizoomi, and Max and Ruby. They all love pizza - and dislike taking
naps! All three will do just about anything to “earn” a LifeSavers®
candy!
Like any children, there are times when each sibling is
“on one” and tries our last nerve. They occasionally test the
limits…say things to see how we will react…and stand their ground in
stubborn protest when things do not go their way. They can bicker with
each other and take a swing with the best of ‘em! Sibling rivalry is
very much in full force with these three!
But at the end of the
day, these precious little ones love each other fiercely…and we adore
them. And that is how it is supposed to be. This is also how it should
be among us as Christian brothers and sisters. We are unique
individuals…but part of one body…with one Father who adores us and loves
us unconditionally. He is in charge…we are called to faithfully obey
Him and serve at His pleasure.
God does not call all of us in
the same way – or to perform the same tasks. He designed us to have
unique characteristics, thoughts and ideas – and yes, to sometimes be
different. There will be occasions when we disagree – perhaps even
bicker a bit. But this must not last – or worse yet, fester into
something serious. We must carefully check our thoughts, words and
actions and remember that we are part of a very special and important
family…and we have to make every effort to get along with our
“siblings.”
Nothing warms my heart more than to see our three
little ones sharing – or hugging each other. I almost melt when one
encourages another, shows him/her kindness and courtesy and says,
“You’re doing a great job!” It makes my day when they receive a special
treat and ask, “What about the others?” As much as children can
understand what it means to be part of a family, these three are
starting to get it. And God wants you and me to get it, too. In fact,
we don’t have the “excuse” of being 7, 5, and four! God has to be
constantly shaking His head at how pigheaded and unkind we can often be
toward each other!
Today, spend some time in prayer and
communication with God. Ask Him to show you where you may have missed
the mark with your “brothers and sisters” in Christ. Call on Him to
help you turn these situations around…to do better moving forward…and to
always, ALWAYS remember WHOSE you are before you speak or make a move.
You and I are very much God’s precious little ones…His pride and joy.
Are we acting like it? Isn’t it time we did?
©2016 Debbie Robus
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