The ideal congregation works well with others and strives to deepen godly fellowship with other faithful though imperfect members. Paul’s working relationship with the Philippians is set in a positive light and provides an example for us (Philippians 4:3). John expressed interest in promoting godly fellowship as he addressed first century Christians (1 John 1:3).
Working well with others contributes to deeper and stronger fellowship among faithful children of God. Those who have achieved a quality working relationship with their co-workers do not place an emphasis upon personal power, prestige, influence, or position. Generally, their personal needs become secondary to the welfare of the body of Christ. Rather, these seek the position and work for which they are best suited in the local congregation (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Matthew 25:14-30). Through such efforts fellowship is promoted and qualitatively impacted.
A further strengthening of our fellowship may also be achieved through joint activities designed to provide opportunities to both understand and appreciate one another. Additionally, by seeking a common understanding of spiritual issues and developing a kindred spirit and like-values, we may very well avoid spiritual pitfalls which have the capacity to challenge the strength and quality of our fellowship. May we have the courage to invest much labor in the maintenance and improvement of our godly fellowship.
The ideal congregation lives peaceably with others. The apostle Paul, in admonishing Christians in Rome, said, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men” (Romans 12:18). Though the attitudes and actions of others may impact our personal contexts unfavorably, we yet have obligation based on divine instruction to employ our full capacity to promote peaceful co-existence among others, including those who may not appreciate us personally.
In living peacefully among all men, may we see the wisdom in never allowing any judgmental issue to generate division, especially in the lord’s church (Romans 14). Some have expressed the fear that we may , on the one hand, intellectually and theologically recognize the wisdom and righteousness of this course while, on the other hand, we fail to regularly practice that which we know to be right in these matters. May we as well never allow personal pride to hamper relationships in our search for peaceful co-existence. Though peace is a wonderful and biblical goal to fervently pursue, may our allegiance to the word of God never be sacrificed in the pursuit of peace. If we cannot maintain peace with men, though seeking it, let us maintain reconciliation and peace with God through faithfulness unto His Word. After all is said and done, peace with all men will be within our reach when the mass of society, including faithful Christians, truly commits themselves to faithful Christian conduct. May the Lord bless us in our search for peace.
