Little kid brothers and sisters are interesting to watch. Two little brothers will compete with each other saying to parents, “Watch me.” “See what I can do.” One will say, “I can run faster than you.” Another, “I am the smartest.” The bantering is endless. One might push the other down or hit him. They compare. They jockey for attention and tout their unique qualities. When sibling rivalry continues into adulthood it becomes more serious with malicious acts, harsh words or even failure to speak to one another. This grieves parents. It may be a bit humorous in little ones but not in those who should have matured.
Unfortunately, brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ often interact with sibling rivalry. “Our beliefs are right and yours are wrong.” “My congregation is better.” “My service to Jesus is more important.” “Our ministry is bigger and better.” “Our study is the best.” We shouldn’t be surprised by our immaturity. After all, in I John we are referred to as “little children”. I suppose our Father knows us well. I believe our Father is primarily concerned with who we ARE while our spiritual siblings tend to focus on what we DO. When we listen to our elder brother, Jesus, we begin to love and serve one another in his body. Yes, he is the head of the Body and we are the parts of his body. He said he only did what Father told him to do. He remained under the authority of our Father. We, too, should choose to remain under the authority of our Father by doing what he said. If we did, it would be so easy to see how it grieves him when we become rivals rather than behaving as brothers and sisters should. The primary mature quality of siblings is love. Add to this compassion, kindness, generosity, respect and understanding. These are characteristics of a healthy family.
When the Body of Christ in all its parts comes together as a loving family, Father is pleased and smiles. When Jesus is the head and we all submit to him, we serve his Kingdom in sync with one another. We are different, but different is good. God made us different for his purposes. Celebrate your differences and maximize their value to him. Let us determine in our family, our work life, our neighborhoods, our congregational experience, and relationships in the broader parts of the Body of Christ that we will show love to our Father. How? Base all of your decisions on this question: What is the loving thing to do? Then take the loving action. Work for the good of one another in the Body of Christ. Serve the common good for the sake of all people. Become involved in seeking the health of your community and city.