I can't wait to be mature

Day 26: Unity Among People of the Resurrection

Um, correction Pastor Schultz, I can indeed get more done when I do it on my own. Let me back up a bit, this morning we discussed our role and responsibilities of being baptized into this life together. In Ephesians 4:1-3 Paul tells the Christians to be "eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." It sounds great doesn't it? Blissful even. Well, we know that conflict happens when humans are involved and while the unity of the Spirit remains we often throw peace out the window. When summarizing one point Pastor Schultz repeated the phrase that "we can accomplish more together." I beg to differ.

Case Study A: Today I biked with Colby (9), Paige (8) and Asa (5) to Sheboygan Falls. (Can you believe I lured them 6 miles one-way with a promise of a .49 ice cream cone?) Anyway, Asa was slow. I mean really, really slow. His bike is tiny. He is only 5 years old. His brother wore him out the first 2 miles. It was really, really slow. We could have covered more miles much faster if we had just left him behind (at the house I mean).

Case Study B: Laundry is an endless chore in my house (I'm sure others can relate). Folding clothes is not a favorite task of mine, but I can do it, pretty fast too. The kids can also fold clothes. It takes them about 20 clumsy minutes to Big D's 5 by comparison.

Case Study C: Baking in our house can be fun, but usually takes place out of a functional necessity. I can whip up a batch of brownies or cookies in 10 minutes and bake them in 30-45 minutes. When I have "help" it takes an extra 20-30 minutes of mixing and another 30-45 minutes of cleanup afterward.

It's not just kids either. . .

Case Study D: I serve on a committee of adults who plan a conference each year. I dread the monthly meetings where we labor over decisions like what kind of cookies to choose and how many pizza's to order. Can't someone just do the math and make the phone call? Do we have to discuss this every year for a full hour?

That's not to say, however, that the point of the study was lost on me. We can make better decisions and strengthen relationships when we work together. I understand that unity is more than just accomplishing a series of tasks and projects. It is about the "walking together" as a synod. Ensuring that our eternal focus is pure and holy.

I especially appreciate that as we mature as Christians we avoid the tossing of the waves, the winds of cunning and crafty teaching and deceitful scheming. I can't wait to be mature. As I mature though I will depend on the grace that has been given to me, and will do my best to walk worthy of this calling. I will rely on his strength to work with others in humility, gentleness, patience, and love. I will count my blessings and learn to be unified with People of the Resurrection.