Christian Camaraderie!

It has been noted that the truest sign of friendship is the ability to SINCERELY SHARE THE JOY AND ACCOMPLISHMENT OF OTHERS without a trace of envy. Perhaps we could say that would also be the truest sign of Christianity. To respond toward each other in Christ in this way would make the existence of a proper love for one another evident and would therefore be a sign of proper discipleship to Him. ( John 13:35)

There are some who seem to view almost everything in life with a sense of competition. Such a perspective makes it difficult (if not impossible) to REJOICE WITH OTHERS in their successes or whatever has drawn attention to them. Some are so set on getting the glory or notoriety that they can’t stand it when another gets the attention. This attitude is not a mark of spirituality, but rather the sign of a focus that is still fleshly. (note 1 Corinthians 3:1-3) It is the selfish desire of the flesh that gives rise to envy and jealousy toward one another. Since we are in Christ, such a spirit is to be put to death. ( Galatians 5:24) How well are we doing?

Paul admonished the church at Galatia that…
“(25) If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. (26) Let us NOT BECOME CONCEITED, provoking one another, ENVYING ONE ANOTHER.” ( Galatians 5:25-26 ESV)

When we truly love one another as we ought, that love should crowd out the tendency toward envy because “love does not envy” ( 1 Corinthians 13:4), but rather “REJOICES WITH THE TRUTH.” ( 1 Corinthians 13:6) One truth to bear in mind is that we as Christians are to be drawn together in harmony with Christ and so with each other.

Writing to the church at Philippi, Paul exhorted…
“(1) So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, (2) complete my joy by being of the SAME MIND, having the SAME LOVE, being IN FULL ACCORD and OF ONE MIND. (3) DO NOTHING FROM RIVALRY OR CONCEIT, but IN HUMILITY COUNT OTHERS MORE SIGNIFICANT THAN YOURSELVES.” ( Philippians 2:1-3 ESV)

There is the spirit that allows us to sincerely REJOICE WITH OTHERS in what they have accomplished and the attention they have received. Paul exemplified this spirit in acknowledging himself as merely one of God’s many servants involved in the work of reaching others. ( 1 Corinthians 3:5-6) He felt no sense of competition with others who proclaimed the truth of Jesus, even when their motivation may not have been what it should, but rather REJOICED THAT CHRIST WAS PREACHED. ( Philippians 1:15-18) May we sincerely REJOICE IN THE PART all can have in the ministry of Christ while we seek to encourage each other in labors together in accordance with God’s Will for His ultimate glory.

Have a great day KNOWING THE WINNING SPIRIT OF ONENESS IN CHRIST!
Carl

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