I am fascinated by Amish culture. The Amish seek to follow God. One way that they do this is to avoid the distractions of the modern world - preferring instead to live simple lives. They dress modestly, tend not to use electricity and prefer horse power. Community is central to their life - they believe in helping each other. They do all of these things so that they are not distracted from their pursuit of God.
When I read this portion of Philippians 1: 27-30 "stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel" I thought of an Amish barn-raising - picturing the community coming together to put up a new barn when an old one had been destroyed by fire. Together - they work - being of one mind - striving to construct at least the frame of the barn in one day. Often - the entire barn is built in one day.
It is hard for us to be of one mind. It is hard for us to stand firm together. It is hard for us to strive side by side in faith. And yet - that is what we are called to do.
What types of things divide us? What keeps us from being more supportive of one another? Are those things really important? Maybe we let things divide us becasue we loose track of the gospel message.
When I read this portion of Philippians 1: 27-30 "stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel" I thought of an Amish barn-raising - picturing the community coming together to put up a new barn when an old one had been destroyed by fire. Together - they work - being of one mind - striving to construct at least the frame of the barn in one day. Often - the entire barn is built in one day.
It is hard for us to be of one mind. It is hard for us to stand firm together. It is hard for us to strive side by side in faith. And yet - that is what we are called to do.
What types of things divide us? What keeps us from being more supportive of one another? Are those things really important? Maybe we let things divide us becasue we loose track of the gospel message.