Tag Archives: Unity

Devotional

Us and Them

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Read 1 Corinthians 1:10-13

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” (Ephesians 4:3 NLT)

Image created with the assistance of AI powered by Microsoft.

The church in Corinth was a vibrant but troubled community. Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, addresses a myriad of issues, but one of the most pressing was the division among the believers. In 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, Paul appeals to the church to be united, urging them to agree with one another and avoid divisions. He emphasizes that they should be perfectly united in mind and thought, reminding them that Christ is not divided, and neither should His body, the church, be.

This call for unity is echoed in the haunting lyrics of Pink Floyd’s “Us and Them.” The song, written by Roger Waters and Richard Wright, delves into the themes of conflict and division, highlighting the arbitrary lines that separate people. “Us and them / And after all, we’re only ordinary men,” the song laments, pointing out the common humanity that should unite us rather than divide us. The song’s reflection on the futility of conflict and the shared human experience resonates deeply with Paul’s message to the Corinthians.

In Corinth, the divisions were based on allegiance to different leaders. Some claimed to follow Paul, others Apollos, or Cephas (Peter). This factionalism was tearing the church apart. Paul’s rhetorical questions, “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?” serve to remind the Corinthians that their primary allegiance should be to Christ alone. The leaders they were aligning themselves with were merely servants of Christ, not the source of their salvation.

The divisions in Corinth can be seen as a microcosm of the broader human tendency to create “us vs. them” scenarios. Whether in religious communities, political arenas, or social contexts, humans have a propensity to divide themselves into groups, often leading to conflict and strife. Pink Floyd’s “Us and Them” captures this dynamic poignantly, with its melancholic melody and reflective lyrics. The song’s verses describe various scenarios of division and conflict, from war to social inequality, underscoring the senselessness of these divisions.

Paul’s call to unity in 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 is not just about avoiding conflict; it’s about recognizing the deeper spiritual reality that, in Christ, we are one. This unity is not uniformity; it does not mean that we all have to think, act, or look the same. Rather, it is a unity that celebrates diversity while being rooted in the common foundation of Jesus Christ. This is a unity that transcends human divisions and reflects the nature of the Triune God – diverse yet one.

Ephesians 4:3 reinforces this idea, urging believers to “make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” This unity is a gift from the Holy Spirit, but it requires effort on our part to maintain it. It involves humility, patience, and a willingness to bear with one another in love. It means prioritizing our shared identity in Christ over our individual preferences and allegiances.

In practical terms, this call to unity challenges us to examine our own lives and communities. Are there ways in which we are contributing to division rather than unity? Are we aligning ourselves with human leaders or ideologies in a way that detracts from our primary allegiance to Christ? Are we making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace?

Reflecting on “Us and Them,” we can see the tragic consequences of division and conflict. The song’s powerful imagery and emotive music remind us of the shared humanity that should unite us. As followers of Christ, we are called to go even further – to recognize that our unity is not just based on our common humanity, but on our shared identity in Christ. This unity is a powerful witness to the world of the transformative power of the gospel.

In a world that is increasingly polarized, the church has a unique opportunity to model a different way of being. By living out the unity that Paul calls for in 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, we can demonstrate the reconciling power of Christ. This unity is not just for our own benefit; it is a testimony to the world of the love and grace of God.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
In Christ, there is no “us” and “them” – we are one body, united by His love and sacrifice. Let us strive to live out this unity in our daily lives, reflecting the peace and reconciliation that Christ brings.

PRAYER
Lord, help us to see past our divisions and embrace the unity You desire for Your church. May we find our identity in You alone and work diligently to maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of Perplexity AI

Devotional

Shepherds of Unity

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Read 2 Samuel 5:1-5

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too” (Philippians 2:3-4 NLT).

Image created by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of Copilot, an AI language model developed by Microsoft and powered by OpenAI.

When thinking of great leaders, King David and George Washington come to mind. Both figures led their people through challenging times, fostering unity and setting the foundation for future generations. Their stories provide timeless lessons on leadership, faith, and humility, not just for those in high positions but for each of us in our daily lives.

Let’s begin to put this to our collective historical memories. It’s the late 18th century, and the American colonies are in turmoil. After years of fighting for independence from British rule, the colonies are now free but far from united. Enter George Washington, a man respected for his courage and integrity. Despite the power he could wield, Washington, an Anglican, chooses to lead with humility and a focus on unity, eventually helping to create a nation from thirteen disparate colonies. His faith in God’s providence was a guiding force in his leadership, much like King David.

Now, let’s travel back in time to ancient Israel. David, anointed as king, faces a divided nation. For years, he has led Judah, but now the tribes of Israel come to him, seeking unity. They recognize his leadership and God’s hand upon him. David’s anointing as king over all Israel is a pivotal moment that transforms the scattered tribes into a cohesive nation.

David’s leadership was marked by God’s calling and the recognition of the people. His reign began in Judah and extended over all Israel, uniting the nation. This passage highlights the themes of unity, divine calling, and servant leadership. David was anointed not only because of his capabilities but also because he was chosen by God to shepherd His people. His leadership was deeply rooted in his faith and trust in God’s plan, which was evident from his early years as a shepherd boy to his rise as a mighty king.

Both David and Washington were called to lead in times of division. David’s anointing as king over all Israel and Washington’s role in unifying the American colonies are strikingly parallel. Each leader faced the challenge of bringing together different groups with varying interests and backgrounds. Their success lay in their reliance on higher principles: David on God’s guidance and Washington on the ideals of liberty and justice, underpinned by his trust in God’s providence. Their leadership was not about exerting power but about serving their people and fulfilling a greater purpose.

David and Washington’s leadership teaches us the importance of unity. In our personal lives, we often encounter situations that require us to bring people together—whether in our families, workplaces, or communities. We can take a proactive role in fostering harmony by promoting understanding and collaboration, much like these leaders did. When we act as peacemakers and bridge-builders, we reflect the unity that both David and Washington exemplified.

Both leaders depended on a higher power, trusting in God’s providence. In our daily lives, cultivating a deeper relationship with God and seeking God’s guidance can provide us with the wisdom and strength needed to navigate life’s challenges. Trusting in God means seeking divine direction in our decisions and being open to God’s leading in every aspect of our lives.

David and Washington exemplified humility. David’s humility before God and Washington’s voluntary step down from power are powerful reminders that true leadership is about serving others. We can lead by example through humble service, recognizing that our actions impact those around us. Being a servant leader means putting others’ needs before our own and striving to make a positive difference in their lives.

It’s important to remember that both David and Washington were flawed human beings. David’s grievous sins, including his affair with Bathsheba and the arranged death of her husband Uriah, serve as stark reminders of his humanity and susceptibility to sin. Similarly, Washington, while a revered figure, held slaves and struggled with the moral implications of slavery throughout his life. These flaws do not diminish their achievements but rather highlight the complexity of their characters. Their ability to seek forgiveness, strive for redemption, and continue leading with integrity despite their imperfections is a powerful testament to the resilience and grace found in trusting God.

Facing immense challenges with courage and perseverance, both leaders inspire us to remain steadfast in our faith. When we encounter difficulties, we can draw strength from God and remember past victories to keep moving forward. Their stories remind us that perseverance in the face of adversity is a key component of effective leadership and personal growth.

David and Washington sought to establish justice and righteousness. In our lives, acting with integrity and standing up for what is right reflects God’s principles and makes a significant impact on our communities. We are called to be people of integrity, making choices that honor God and promote justice for all.

Both leaders left legacies that shaped future generations. By living out godly values, we too can leave a positive legacy. Our daily actions, rooted in love and justice, can influence others and make a lasting difference. Our legacy is built day by day through our faithful actions and commitment to God’s purposes.

As we reflect on the lives of David and Washington, let us remember that leadership is not confined to grand titles or positions of power. True leadership begins in our hearts and is demonstrated through our daily actions. By fostering unity, relying on God’s guidance, serving others with humility, and standing up for justice, we can each make a significant impact in our communities. Let us strive to leave a legacy that honors God and inspires those around us.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Great leadership begins with small acts of faith, humility, and service.

PRAYER
Lord, help me to foster unity, act justly, and serve others with humility. Guide me in leaving a legacy that honors You. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.

Devotional

One Body

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Read Acts 4:32-35

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“So it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other” (Romans 12:5 NLT)In the heart of Jerusalem, among the dusty streets and echoing temple walls, there lived a man named Elias. Elias wasn’t a wealthy merchant or a powerful politician. He was just an ordinary person turned follower of Jesus, trying to make sense of this new life he had found.

One evening, Elias gathered with fellow believers in a small room, the flickering light of oil lamps casting shadows on their faces. They had just returned from a day of preaching and healing in the streets of Jerusalem, their hearts still echoing with the cries of joy and wonder from those they had encountered.

As they settled around the room, Elias shared his reflections on the day. “Friends,” he began, “today, I saw something incredible. In the eyes of those who heard Peter’s words, I saw hope stirring. But beyond that, I saw something even more profound. I saw the power of togetherness among us, binding us together as one body.”

Deborah, a widow with a gentle smile, nodded in agreement. “Yes, Elias,” she said. “In our togetherness, we find strength. When we share not only our possessions but also our burdens and joys, we reflect the love of Christ to the world.”

Matthew, a former tax collector known for his sharp wit, chimed in, “And remember what Jesus taught us, ‘By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another’ (John 13:35). Our unity isn’t just about sharing possessions; it’s about embodying Christ’s love and compassion, even amidst our differences.”

Rebecca, a young mother holding her child close, spoke softly, “I’ve seen it too. When we come together as one family, sharing what we have with open hands, no one among us is in need. “

As they continued to share stories and insights, Elias felt a deep sense of gratitude for the community that surrounded him. They weren’t just fellow believers; they were his brothers and sisters, bound together by a love that transcended words.

This passage from Acts offers a glimpse into the early Christian community’s life, characterized by an extraordinary sense of unity and mutual support. It demonstrates that genuine faith results in tangible actions of love and care for one another, transcending individualistic tendencies.

The example set by these early believers challenges us to reflect on our own communities. Are we truly living in unity, supporting and caring for one another as the early Christians did? Or are we allowing differences and divisions to hinder our witness to the transformative power of the gospel?

Romans 12:5 reminds us that as followers of Christ, we are one body, interconnected and interdependent. Each member plays a crucial role, and our unity is essential for the body to function effectively.

In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul urges believers to be perfectly united in mind and thought, emphasizing the importance of harmony and agreement among the congregation. This unity doesn’t mean uniformity of opinion but rather a shared commitment to the teachings of Christ and a willingness to set aside personal preferences for the greater good of the community.

Practical application of this passage involves fostering an environment of genuine love, care, and support within our churches and Christian communities. It requires humility, forgiveness, and a willingness to prioritize the needs of others above our own. As we strive for unity in Christ, may our lives bear witness to the transformative power of love and grace, drawing others into the fold of God’s family.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
In a world marked by division and discord, let us be known for our love and unity, reflecting the character of our Savior who unites us as one body.

PRAYER
Lord, help us to live in true unity with one another, bound together by your love and grace. May our lives testify to the power of togetherness and draw others into the fellowship of your kingdom. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.

Devotional, Previous Post

REVISITED: Born to Follow Revisited (An Alternate Perspective)

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Read Galatians 3:23-29

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” (John 13:34)

Along with being a pastor and a chaplain, I am also the co-coordinator of the district youth team in the district that I am serving. As the District Youth Co-coordinator, I am act as a bridge between the youth in each of the local congregations within the district. This past weekend I co-led a district wide Open-Mic Night which turned out to be a wonderful evening of listening to all of the many talents that came out and shared their gifts. I also performed and, being that I just recently wrote about it, I chose to perform Bon Jovi’s “We Weren’t Born to Follow”, among others.  It really is an awesome song and it is a lot of fun to sing to. So, I gave that song my all and enjoyed rocking out to it.

Prior to singing the song, I explained to the people present that I had just written a devotion about the song, and how we ARE actually BORN TO FOLLOW. We are born to follow the ONE who created us. We are born to follow LOVE and to be LOVE wherever we may go. I basically succinctly summed up what I had written in that devotion, because I feel that it is important to take the stigma off of following. There is NOTHING wrong with being a follower…depending on who or what it is that one is following.

But I didn’t end it there, as I had in the last devotion. It is absolutely true that WE ARE BORN TO FOLLOW, that we were made in our Creator’s image, and were born to follow the example and the path that our Creator laid before us. That being said, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora weren’t talking about that when they both wrote the song; rather, they were talking about following what others tell us about ourselves…about following in line with who and what world tells us we are. I am not sure where Jon and Richie stand spiritually, especially regarding this song; however, there is definitely some wisdom to be found in their words.

This world often tells us that we ought define ourselves based off of what we do for a living, based off of our status in life, based off of what community we live in, based off of our income, and based off of other such things. The world tells us how thin to be, how pretty to be, what clothes to wear, what foods to eat, and how to continue to hollow ourselves out into shallow, empty shells with no purpose or meaning to fill our lives. If we turn to the world we learn about might makes right, strength (aka force/violence) equals peace, and that there is a pecking order that we need to submit ourselves to.

But WE ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY WERE NOT BORN TO FOLLOW THE WORLD!!!! We were born to follow God, in whom there is no longer Jew or Greek or French or Iraqi or Russian or American. We were born to to follow God, in whom there is no longer slave or free, male or female or transgendered or whatever other label the world wants to impose on each of us. That is not to say that we should ignore the unique value of each individual, or that we should pretend we don’t have differences, but that we should stop limiting our sights to the “labels” that we use to define each individual!

In the end, we are all CHILDREN OF GOD! That’s what matters! Each one of us was born a child of God, which makes each one of us related to each other in and by the Spirit of God. We weren’t born to follow the World’s labels or definitions. We weren’t born to follow the things of this world but, rather, were were born and are called to follow our Creator who had deemed us to be one, to be united as kin! Let us stop getting hung up on what the world tells us to think and/or to do, and let us preoccupy ourselves with following the ONE who created us with a purpose and a plan in mind: TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS GOD HAS LOVED US!

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
“Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead.” – Oscar Wilde

PRAYER
Lord, help me to tear down the walls of division in my heart. Heal me and teach me to love others as you love me. Amen.

Devotional, Previous Post

REVISITED: Dying for Both Sides

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Read Galatians 2

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Pray that I will be rescued from those in Judea who refuse to obey God. Pray also that the believers there will be willing to accept the donation I am taking to Jerusalem.” (Romans 15:31)

In the Bible, there is a man named Saul who was born in the city of Tarsus in the Roman province of Cilicia. He was well educated and rose up to be a scholar of the Torah, a Pharisee, and a zealous defender of the Jewish faith. When a new sect of Judaism broke out claiming that a Nazarene rabbi by the name of Yeshua bar Joseph was the messiah and that Gentiles should be included in the Jewish covenant, he lashed out against the group, having many of them arrested. According to Acts, one was even killed.

With that said, this Saul encountered the risen Yeshua, you may know him by his Greek name Jesus, somewhere in or around Damascus, which is a city in Syria. This experience transformed Saul into a follower of Jesus. Paul tells us in his letter to the Galatians that, following the encounter with Christ, he went into Arabia for a while and then came back to Damascus. After three years he went to Jerusalem and met with Jesus’ brother James, and his disciples Peter and John.

To make a long story short, Jesus’ brother James and Paul didn’t really get along…at all. Peter and John weren’t too crazy about Paul either. James believed that in order for Gentiles (non-Jews) to become a follower of Christ they had to first become Jewish, since Jesus was a Jew. Paul thought this was ludicrous, seeing Jesus’ death and resurrection as the opening up of the covenant to Gentiles. If they had faith in Jesus who was likened to a Gentile on the cross (being under God’s curse as the Torah claims of anyone hung on a tree), then they would be brought into the Jewish covenant despite not being circumcised or being bound to any one of the Jewish laws.

Though they struck a deal and Paul left thinking he had their blessing to go and preach the Gospel as he felt Jesus had called him to do, James, Peter and John never really accepted Paul’s vision. We find out from Paul in his letter to the Galatians, and in Acts, that James and his followers were counteracting Paul’s Gospel message and causing people to question this “self-proclaimed apostle” who had never been an eye-witness of Jesus. This angered Paul, as anyone would imagine, but it did not stop him from trying.

Paul had been gathering up a collection for the church in Jerusalem and he was going to bring that collection to them, hoping to reconcile their differences if it cost him his very life. Paul was afraid it would. His last written words, written to the church in Rome (a community he had never met), ask for prayers that the non-believing Jews won’t attack him (as he was a heretic in their eyes having abandoned his Pharisaic Judaism for this new messianic Judaism) and that the church in Jerusalem would accept his offering. Unfortunately, his prayers were not answered.

Paul was arrested, and eventually died, trying to get both sides (his and James’) to be unified, even if different, in the cause of Christ. Today, like then, the church is split on many fronts and we seem to get stuck on one side or the other. We fail to see Christ in the midst of our differences. Like Paul, we are called to see Christ in those who believe differently than us. We are called to find the balance of reconciliation, even while remaining true to what we firmly believe. There are many contentious issues dividing the church, yet there is still ONE Lord! Rather than deeming each other heretics, let us have the grace and the humility to see that Christ is indeed working in, through, and in spite of us all! Remember, he Gospel calls us to be a people who are unified in LOVE, even if divided by difference.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
“You don’t get unity by ignoring the questions that have to be faced.” – Jay Weatherill

PRAYER
Lord, help me to see you even in those who think and believe differently than me. Humble me, I pray. Amen.

Online Worship

September 11, 2022 – Newton UMC – Sunday Worship Livestream

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JOY Fellowship Worship Service in Holland Hall: 9:00 a.m.

Worship service streams live at 9:00 a.m. EST (-500 GMT)

Worship Service in Main Sancutary: 10:30 a.m.

Worship service streams live at 10:30 a.m. EST (-500 GMT)

Welcome to our JOY Fellowship Worship Service for September 11. Today we learn that we are a people of faith and Christ calls us to lay our fears aside and put that faith in action.

Please support us by giving online: https://tithe.ly/give?c=1377216 or https://paypal.me/newtonumc Your support is vital, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. You can also write and mail a check to First UMC of Newton, 111 Ryerson Ave., Newton, NJ 07860.

If you are from another church that is not able to host online worship, we would strongly encourage you give to YOUR church and support them. They no doubt need that support as much as we do. God bless you all for your generosity.

Online Worship

September 4, 2022 – Newton UMC – Sunday Worship Livestream

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JOY Fellowship Worship Service in Holland Hall: 9:00 a.m.

Worship service streams live at 9:00 a.m. EST (-500 GMT)

Worship Service in Main Sancutary: 10:30 a.m.

Worship service streams live at 10:30 a.m. EST (-500 GMT)

Welcome to our JOY Fellowship Worship Service for August 28. Today we learn that following Christ requires a commitment of FAITH and TRUST in our Lord and Savior. Anything short of FAITH leads us back to being agents of the world.

Please support us by giving online: https://tithe.ly/give?c=1377216 or https://paypal.me/newtonumc Your support is vital, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. You can also write and mail a check to First UMC of Newton, 111 Ryerson Ave., Newton, NJ 07860.

If you are from another church that is not able to host online worship, we would strongly encourage you give to YOUR church and support them. They no doubt need that support as much as we do. God bless you all for your generosity.

Online Worship

August 28, 2022 – Newton UMC – Sunday Worship Livestream

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JOY Fellowship Worship Service in Holland Hall: 9:00 a.m.

Worship service streams live at 9:00 a.m. EST (-500 GMT)

Worship Service in Main Sancutary: 10:30 a.m.

Worship service streams live at 10:30 a.m. EST (-500 GMT)

Welcome to our JOY Fellowship Worship Service for August 28. Today we learn that the eternal city of God, also known as the Kingdom of God, is real, and it is REALLY coming. God has asked us, citizens of that Kingdom, to help make Heaven on Earth a reality.

Please support us by giving online: https://tithe.ly/give?c=1377216 or https://paypal.me/newtonumc Your support is vital, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. You can also write and mail a check to First UMC of Newton, 111 Ryerson Ave., Newton, NJ 07860.

If you are from another church that is not able to host online worship, we would strongly encourage you give to YOUR church and support them. They no doubt need that support as much as we do. God bless you all for your generosity.

Online Worship

August 21, 2022 – Newton UMC – Sunday Worship Livestream

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JOY Fellowship Worship Service in Holland Hall: 9:00 a.m.

Worship service streams live at 9:00 a.m. EST (-500 GMT)

Worship Service in Main Sancutary: 10:30 a.m.

Worship service streams live at 10:30 a.m. EST (-500 GMT)

Welcome to our Sunday Online Worship Services for August 21. Today we learn that the Bible is our PRIMARY source of divine and eternal truth, our identity, and our purpose.

Please support us by giving online: https://tithe.ly/give?c=1377216 or https://paypal.me/newtonumc Your support is vital, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. You can also write and mail a check to First UMC of Newton, 111 Ryerson Ave., Newton, NJ 07860.

If you are from another church that is not able to host online worship, we would strongly encourage you give to YOUR church and support them. They no doubt need that support as much as we do. God bless you all for your generosity.

Online Worship

August 14, 2022 – Newton UMC – Sunday Worship Livestream

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JOY Fellowship Worship Service in Holland Hall: 9:00 a.m.

Worship service streams live at 9:00 a.m. EST (-500 GMT)

Worship Service in Main Sancutary: 10:30 a.m.

Worship service streams live at 10:30 a.m. EST (-500 GMT)

Welcome to our Sunday Online Worship Services for August 7. Today we learn to discern what we believe to be valuable from what is ULTIMATELY VALUABLE.

Please support us by giving online: https://tithe.ly/give?c=1377216 or https://paypal.me/newtonumc Your support is vital, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. You can also write and mail a check to First UMC of Newton, 111 Ryerson Ave., Newton, NJ 07860.

If you are from another church that is not able to host online worship, we would strongly encourage you give to YOUR church and support them. They no doubt need that support as much as we do. God bless you all for your generosity.