The Body of ChristParaugs

Unite In Hope

How we experience life can be influenced by our past, our personality, and the ways we have learned to interpret life; however, we have a choice about where we place our focus. I’m sure you know the classic saying that some will see the glass half full and others, half empty. Another way of saying this might be to ask, ‘Do you take your troubles to God, or do you take God to your troubles?’ If our focus is only on the problem then our search for unity is likely to be thwarted by multiple opinions focused on the issue alone. But, when we focus on who God is, and ask for His help, our perspective begins to align with God’s heart and ways. The gift we discover as we focus on God is that others who have also kept their focus on God are moving in the same direction with the same purpose. Unity comes as we join in God-focused prayer together, respectfully discuss vision and purpose, and work together with faith-inspired hope. 

This God-focused approach is highlighted in Numbers 13. God told the Israelites they were to take possession of the Promised Land. Twelve spies were sent out to explore the land. Ten of the spies returned focused on the problem of a strong enemy army and reported that it would be foolish to try and take the land. Only Joshua and Caleb focused on God and what He had said. They concluded they would be foolish not to align themselves with God’s heart and ways and to move in purpose to take the Promised Land. The lack of God-purposed unity resulted in a generation missing out on living in the Promised Land. A high price to pay for misplaced focus.

Written by KATH HENRY

Want more? Check out the Real Hope Conversations Podcast and listen to Ben McEachen delve deeper into the topic of The Body of Christ. Available wherever you listen to podcasts.