Cornerstone

1 Peter 3:8-11 (8)

In Sri Lanka, more than 30,000 people were killed. But all the elephants, deer and other wild animals survived, says H. D. Ratnayake, deputy director of that nation’s wildlife department. In the 12 hours before Hurricane Charley hit Florida, 14 electronically tagged sharks off Sarasota who had never left their home region before fled into deep waters and stayed away for two weeks before returning. The same sharks reacted similarly when Tropical Storm Gabrielle was about to strike according to Biologist Mike Heithaus.

Although animals are not in as much agreement when the weather is peaceful it illustrates God’s desire for His people. Peter says, “be ye all of one mind . . .” 1 Pet 3:8. After speaking of being “of one accord, of one mind,” Paul goes on to say “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Vs. 5

For His pleasure can we try harder to get along with our brothers in the Lord? For His pleasure can we try harder to work together to accomplish His mission for the Church? If we try to think His thoughts we will find that this comes easier. If the Word of God comes to life in our lives we will find that working with our brethren in unity comes more naturally.

Dr. Gayle Woods

Jas. 3:13-18 (17)

I just saw holiness walking in shoe leather. An unhappy but holy student just left my office.

He came to contest a decision an employee had made. As I listened to the explanation and request, the matter seemed to be reasonable. I wondered at the rigid inflexibility of my employee. I turned to the section of the Student Handbook in question.

As I read I noticed two things: First, the specific situation which had been described differed from the focus of the rule. Secondly, I noticed that the employee was given the authority to make a judgment in cases that were not covered completely by the list of rules. This is what the employee had done. Although the request of the student seemed reasonable to me, the employee had made a judgment following the principles in the guideline that could not be faulted.

I explained this to the student. I could clearly see disappointment in his eyes. But then he pleased me. I was extremely proud of his response. He said, “Well, I will obey the rules.” His attitude and actions exemplified the Christ that he served.

For holiness to be liveable it must be practical. That is why it is so easy to follow the direction of the Word of God and the example of our Lord.

Dr. Gayle Woods