Ramesh C. Reddy
Editor in Chief
Hi everyone :)
May you all know the Lord's love and encouragement towards each of you and the importance of pleading lovingly for agreeing decisions in the Lord/
Quiet Times (Psalm 134 and Philippians 4:2)
“Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who minister by night in the house of the Lord. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord. May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.” (Psalm 134)
“I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.” (Philippians 4:2)
It is interesting that both verses I read had to deal with ministry. I found verse 4:2 very interesting because of the pleadings made public.
Pleading 1: I plead with Euodia to agree with Syntyche in the Lord!
Pleading 2: I plead with Syntyche to agree with Euodia in the Lord!
Paul could have addressed them individually to resolve their differences but he writes the letter to the entire Philippians making a pleading to both of them. It is as if the Philippians are to hold them accountable or it is possible that Paul is indirectly stating to the Philippians that it is not good to have conflict in ministry such as Euodia and Syntyche were having. They just could not seem to agree in the Lord.
I cannot help wonder if it was something that became serious because Paul makes a plead for that to stop.
I saw important implications for my own life.
There have been numerous times that I have not been able to agree with others in ministry causing a lot of conflict. It came to the point that others had to be involved because I was not agreeing. This hurt me badly because it made me feel like the bad guy because I would not budge. I just could not agree.
Reading this verse made me think that it is not that uncommon for people to disagree even in ministry but that does not justify not agreeing with one another in the Lord. For that to happen both sides need to give in a little without expecting only the other person should give in.
It is significant that Paul does not just address one person to agree with the other but both persons to agree with each other. I realized the importance of compromise which Paul was emphasizing. IT was not any kind of compromise but compromise with each other in the Lord. I liked the way ‘in the Lord’ was included.
Compromising in ministry if it is totally against biblical principles would hinder ministry than help it and should not be allowed for the 'sake of unity'. For there is no true unity apart from Christ.
So it does not help if one person believes it is ok for practicing homosexuals to serve as leaders in a fellowship and the other person gives in. That would be so unbiblical. This is what happened on a university campus that the administration got involved. There are areas we cannot budge no matter what.
Even heterosexuals involved in a sexual relationship were removed from leadership if they were not repentant of what they did if they were not married. These are just two examples.
In these situations agreeing with one another does no good. I know Paul's reasons for the sisters in the Lord did not have to do with in.
I ask you now dear friends, when did someone plead with you to agree with someone else?
Dear friend, if that pleading was based for the glory of the Lord, I encourage you to go and revisit that pleading that was made. From personal experience I can tell you that if you are involved in ministry, the worse thing that can happen is dissension. I know for I have been there. Right now I am not even fighting for my own way. Imagine fighting in ministry which defeats the whole purpose of doing ministry for the glory of the Lord.
Friend, don’t be surprised when you have agreed with someone else for a long time and then boom everything starts to crumble. Don’t give up but try to find consensus.
Of course, if there are theological issues that are raised that are not for the glory of the Lord and are not in the Lord’s ways, then I see no problem with standing firm. It seems like Paul was addressing issues that both of them can agree upon in the Lord.
I do not know who you have disagreements with but I want you to know as we take our confusion and reasons for disagreeing to the Lord, He will help us. The Lord can help us in different ways through His Word, His Spirit, His Church, etc to find the solution. If you are having a disagreement with someone in ministry, hopefully a consensus can be reached to agree with one another so the ministry can move forward.
This principle does not have to just apply for ministry but other areas in our life too. May you depend on the Lord to guide you and lead you through the disagreements you may have with someone else!
“Pleading Lovingly Encourages Agreeing Decisions!” (P.L.E.A.D)/”When was the last time some had to plead with you?”
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, I read that Paul was pleading with both to agree with one another for your glory. You are the Lord and you have this verse in your Word for a reason. Help us Lord when we have disagreements to come to the point to compromise with one another for your honor and glory whether it is in an area of ministry or another area. Help us to seek you for wisdom in knowing what to do. And Lord, help us to be unified as your children that the world may know that you are Lord. Forgive us Father God for many times we as your followers become the stumbling block for others because of our own quarrels and dissension among ourselves. We are sorry Lord. Please help us to live for you and serve you. Guide us and please lead us Lord. When you call us into ministry you call us to make a difference for your Kingdom so please help us to do that. I pray for each one Lord who has a disagreement with someone else that you would help them be willing to resolve it with that person/s. Help us to make time to do our part and leave the results in your hands. Thank you Jesus for hearing our prayers and answering us. In Your Name I Pray Jesus! Amen!
Love in Christ,
Ramesh
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