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

1 Peter 2:11-15 (12)

Another one had come to our door. I looked up at my mother as she talked to the bedraggled man through the screen door. I heard him say, “I’m hungry. Could you spare some food for me?” Without hesitation she answered, “Yes. Sit down on the porch while I prepare you a meal. It will be a little while.”

It was not a sandwich that my mother prepared for those men. No, she cooked a full hot meal each time one of those men would come to our house. The delicious smelling meal was then delivered to the man sitting on the porch step along with a drink. I watched him from the window as he attacked the hot meal and cleaned up every drop on his plate.

It was this early example which made it easy for me to understand the concept of good works in the Christian life. Although every recipient of our good works may not understand our purpose is not only to relieve the hurts and right the ills of society but foremost to bring glory to God. When you do some thing for someone in need in Jesus name it is as if you were doing it for Him.

Dr. Gayle Woods