Harmony: an environment of pleasant acceptance and secure love
I Timothy 2:1-3
Harmony – an environment of pleasant acceptance and secure love
(I Timothy 2:1-3)
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior,
A common theme of discussion these days centers around holiday travel, meals, and gatherings with family, co-workers, and friends. Have you noticed how negative some of those discussions become, as folks criticize different family members who will have to be “tolerated” for 4 hours or, “heaven forbid”, a few days? I hope your family or workplace isn’t like that. Where is the harmony we so deeply desire? Where is the peace and pleasantness we crave?
In 2008 Carol and I (this is Dave) were privileged to lead marriage training in Pakistan with a wonderful Pakistani couple, who arranged the conference. One night while in our hotel for the night, I fell asleep and was awakened by a dream (I guess it was a dream, but it seemed more like a vision.) I saw an ancient-looking stone bridge connecting two castles. Each castle had an iron gate. One castle was mine and the other was Carol’s.
Carol and I were standing with Jesus in the middle of the bridge between our castles. While there with Him, we felt harmony and peace. We were secure in the loving presence of Jesus. We were wrapped in an embrace with Jesus (like the strong “cord of 3 strands” mentioned in Ecclesiastes 4:12). The stage was set. The action began.
Over the next few moments, Carol and I engaged in some arguments over trivial things. I was hurt by her words and disengaged from her and Jesus and went back to my castle, pulling the heavy iron gate closed behind me and holding it shut. I had to hold it to keep it shut. If I let it go, it would automatically swing open. My arms were tense and muscles burning as I held the gate shut. My heart was hurt and angry. I finally relented and went out to Jesus, Who was now standing alone on the bridge because Carol was now hiding in her castle having been offended by my childish response.
I called to her from my position on the bridge with Jesus, but she would not come out. I went to her castle door and begged her to come out. She was hurt and disappointed. Finally, we both repented of our bad attitude and hateful responses and joined Jesus in the center of the bridge, where He provided and still provides His love and compassion. Harmony returned to our relationship. Did you notice that Jesus never moved? He provided the stability for harmony. You and I can have a harmonious relationship with God even when others won’t cooperate.
Consider Walking in the Light!
1. Walk in the Light of Jesus – Have a fresh encounter with Jesus to enjoy the harmony of a relationship with Him. He is the same loving, strong Savior today as he ever was. He always will be the same. Hebrews 13:8. Jesus broke down walls of division between so many different groups. In Christ there can be harmony between rich and poor, educated and uneducated, employers and employees, and between the many races. He can provide harmony in your home and mine. Can you recall an incident in scripture where Jesus brought harmony between different factions? (Matthew 15:23; 19:14; Galatians 3:28; Eph. 2:14)
2. Is there disharmony in your life? I hope not, but if there is, what are you to do about it? Would you consider “doing the Book” and walking in the light of God’s Word by practicing I Timothy 2:1-3? Please reread it at the top of the page and consider how you can be the one standing on the bridge with Jesus even if others won’t come out of their fortress? By being there with Jesus, caring for the one with whom there is disharmony, waiting patiently with Jesus, and being pleasing to the Lord, you can be in a position to restore harmony when / if the other ever chooses to join you on the bridge of relationship.
3. Would you talk about a relationship where harmony was restored? What was it like to be separated? What was the restoration of harmony like? Is there a relationship where you would love to see harmony restored? Why not pray with a friend and see if God wants you to reach out to them or pray?