I was listening to a message on Philemon this morning and came away with a statement that won’t leave my mind. These are not the direct words of the pastor speaking, but my interpretation and reflection of a combination of what was said.

As Christians, our greatest battle is the verse in Mathew 28, “…therefore go and make disciples of all nations.”
We were commanded to reach out in Jesus’ name, bring people to Him, and disciple them. A mighty task with eternal consequences.
So how is that a battle? The too-frequent battles between believers can stop the commandment to go and make disciples. The animosity between believers keeps our focus away from being obedient, from caring deeply about the salvation of others put in our paths. Yes, we’ll have times when we aren’t peaceful and loving with each other; when pride and envy reign, where unity is beyond us, because we are not perfected yet. But too often we let those flesh-fueled things overcome our desire to do God’s Will and we lose sight of the love God has put in us, to love each other with His love. A powerful, overcoming love. Strong enough to get us through and beyond the strife, give us the ability to choose to work together, even if the relationships aren’t perfect, to bring a lost soul to eternal life. It can’t be about us. The fellowship of our faith becomes effective in the knowledge of Christ.

Philemon 1:4-7
I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, hearing of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints, that the fellowship of your faith may become effective in the knowledge of every good thing which is in us in Christ Jesus. For we have much joy and comfort in your love because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.