“I do not ask on behalf of [my disciples] alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that you sent Me.” (John 17:20-21, NASB)
Do you like the rules for dropping from the knees and being able to leave the flagstick in while putting? Are you back on the Tiger Woods bandwagon, or are you pulling for the young bloods? Do you like that Rory won PGA Tour Player of the Year, or do think it should have gone to Brooks Koepka?
These are controversial questions in golf that we were left with at the end of 2019. Our opinions will differ, but should that matter as we move forward?
Likely more important to you, 2020 is an election year. Maybe we need to turn our focus to Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal. This divides us when it comes to thoughts and opinions, but should it divide the body of Christ?
What would happen if all who believe in Jesus and follow his teachings put our personal agendas behind us and practiced in our lives what he introduced to the world?
Maybe what the apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 2:2 would make sense: “Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.”
I must learn how to best love others despite our differences in opinions or political views.Imagine a world where difference of opinions did not affect the way we love one another. We may not agree about who should have been last year’s Player of the Year or about certain political or social issues, but that should not stop us from pursuing unity within the body of Christ. We may not even agree on the way every matter of faith should be worked out in today’s society, but I am sure that we all agree that love never fails.
I have become convinced that learning to love those God has put in my life should be my greatest priority. The problem: I have my own agenda. It shapes my beliefs, worldview, and unfortunately the way I view other children of God.
Everyone I interact with is loved by God. However, things of this world at times get in the way of me being Jesus to them. I must continue to learn how to put aside these things so they do not get in the way of me obeying the new commandment I have been given by Christ: “…love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all [people] will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).
My desire for this year is to love others in the way of Jesus. I must learn how to best love others despite our differences in opinions or political views. Every day this year, we will all interact with people we do not agree with in some areas; but if those viewpoints get in the way of us loving and serving them, well, shame on us.
So let nothing hinder your love for others, for this is the charge given to all of us by Jesus.
—
Josh Nelson
January 20, 2020
Copyright 2020 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.