It’s a Family affair!

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Philemon 1:1-2 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker, and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house:

Gideon tried to get the help of his brethren, but they would not be counted as “fellow” participates. As we look at how Paul was right on about what we should pray for…the prayer from Ephesians also emphasizes a unity.

Ephesians 3:17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints

Paul makes it clear that we are all in this together. This is vital for us to remember as we run the race. We are not on our own. It amazes me how the enemy not only tries but also succeeds in dividing the Body of Christ. Often we are quick to think critically or less of others just because they are not “one of us”. The “us versus them” mentality, makes us quick to criticize, which can lead not only division, but embarrassment.

A patient was making his first visit to the doctor.  “And whom did you consult about your illness before you came to me?” the doctor inquired.  “Only the druggist down at the corner,” replied the patient.  The doctor did not conceal his contempt for the medical advice of people not qualified to practice medicine.  “And what sort of ridiculous advice did that fool give you?” “He told me,” replied the patient innocently, “to see you.”

The unity Paul expresses is not that we become “clones”. Fellow worker & fellow soldier express the idea of Unity in Purpose. That is what a family has. All in the family are individuals, yet they are all driving to the same place.

Dr. Nick Stinnett launched a "family strengths research project" Dr. Stinnett summarized his findings as follows: "All together, we studied 3,000 families and collected a lot of information. But when we analyzed it all, we found six main qualities in strong families. Strong families:  * are committed to the family,* spend time together,* have good family communication,* express appreciation to each other,* have a spiritual commitment,* and are able to solve problems in a crisis."

Our unity is not based on personal likes and dislikes: Two key issues are important. 1. A willful decision to love; which will place relationship on equal footing with Truth. We cannot sacrifice Truth, but we must be committed, if any way possible, to remain unified. Most times unity is not broken over Truth; instead it is personality issues, or procedural issues. Love covers those mistakes and tensions with forgiveness.  2. Using our giftings to help the “family” reach it’s goal. This leads to a wonderful freedom: I don't have to do it all, this is a team effort.

Paul dealt with a very carnal church over this issue:

1 Cor. 3:4-9 For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not mere men? What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe--as the Lord has assigned to each his task.  I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.  So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. 

The real issue that arises here is motive. Are we doing what we are doing for the Lord or for ourselves? Applause either produces ego or channels that applause as appreciation for all on the team and to God’s glory for how He is using you.

A.W. Tozer said, "The test by which all conduct must finally be judged is MOTIVE.

Meditation Questions: What does motive mean? When was the last time you checked your motives? Do you minister as part of a team, or as the only one? Why? If you have a team, who is on it? What have you done to let them know you need and want them? Do you ever feel overwhelmed by your ministry? What does that show you? How can you prevent that?