When the Tent of Unity Disappears - Martin Wiles

And now I want to plead with those two women, Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. Philippians 4:2 NLT

“Sometimes, the circus is larger than the tent.”

My wife and I were mingling with a few church friends at one of the local funeral homes when I heard the remark. Why the subject of people not getting along came up, I’m not sure, but the statement holds so much truth and is similar to a more well-known quote: “Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill.”

As we talked, my wife contended that women are more likely to be contentious than men. Perhaps Paul would agree. He had two he could shove forward as examples. One gentleman disagreed. He worked with nothing but men and had several stories to tell about their contentiousness. Truthfully, the circus houses both.

Like Paul, I once knew two women who were church members and couldn’t get along. Both were strong-willed and enjoyed being in control. While one was more humble than the other and typically gave in, their disagreements always created a strong undercurrent in their relationship and also had a ripple effect in the church.

When the circus becomes larger than the tent, we forget several things. Believers are unified in Christ. This doesn’t mean we are clones, but we have a common bond—our belief in Christ and in the work he has given us. Remembering we share this bond with other believers should make us work harder to put aside what divides us from them and look harder at what attaches us to them.

Just because believers share a common faith doesn’t mean we share the same personalities. Obviously, Eudoia and Syntyche didn’t, and neither did the two ladies I worked with. I’ve discovered, though, that we can disagree without being contentious. Common ground always presents itself if we look.

The faith journey we're on isn’t all about us. It’s about our faithfulness to God and his Kingdom’s work. Our responsibility is to promote Christ, not ourselves or our selfish ideas. Our testimony, and the testimony of God’s church, lies at stake. And if the disagreement is such that we honestly can’t see a way to solve it, we can always find another church rather than ruin the reputation of the one we're attending.

Do what it takes to make the circus smaller than the tent. God wants his people unified in love. 

Father, help me love others in a bond of unity so my testimony before others will shine brightly. 

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The Power of Unity - Martin Wiles

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 1 Peter 3:8 NLT

I watched as they clung to my pants’ legs.

I never knew what I might run into when hunting in South Carolina’s Lowcountry—or just traipsing through fields exploring new lands. My grandfather had plenty of farmland and woods for my cousin and me to explore. But as young boys living in a time when backyards were large and parents didn’t have to worry as much about our safety—we were more likely to get into trouble ourselves than we were to have someone kidnap us—our grandfather’s land wasn’t enough. We wanted more. So we ambled across his land and onto neighbors’ lands. It didn’t matter. We might not have known the property owner, but they knew we were the grandsons of “Dan’l Martin.” That made walking across their land—and even hunting on it—permissible.

Beggar lice—or begga lice as we called it—was one thing that liked to cling to our clothes. If we came home with it, my grandmother insisted we pull it from our pants before we entered her house. Doing so wasn’t such a big deal, just time consuming. It stuck to clothes as if somebody had superglued it. And when I thought I had gotten it all, I’d see some more. As soon as we were lice-free, we could enter—usually to a good home-cooked meal she had slaved over the oven to cook. Rice, butter beans (with a ton of pot liquor, as she called it), fried chicken, pan gravy, and ears of fresh corn.

But another culprit often attacked my cousin and me as we scampered through the woods and fields. This one wasn’t as friendly as beggar lice. We called it cuka burs. The proper name is cocklebur. We often didn’t know we had accumulated them until we rubbed our hands on our pants for some reason or until our pants suddenly felt tight around the leg area. If we rubbed without looking first, we’d immediately recognize the culprit. Sharp pricks pricked our fingers. Removing them without contracting bleeding fingers proved difficult. Sometimes, we’d wait until we got back to our grandparents’ house, where we’d find a pair of gloves or perhaps use a pair of pliers. Like beggar lice, cockleburs stuck like glue.

Much later in my life, another item was often used in place of glue: Velcro. I didn’t know its origin until years later when I taught grammar to my eighth graders, and we worked through an exercise picking out adjectives in sentences. There, I came across the story of Velcro’s beginnings. The story sparked my interest because it mentioned cockle burrs, which immediately took me back to my childhood.

George de Mestral, a Swiss engineer, while hunting in the Jura Mountains in Switzerland in the 1940s, discovered that cockle burrs had decorated his pants and his dog’s fur. He wondered how these tiny things attached so well to him and his feline friend. When he returned, he observed the cocklebur under a microscope and noticed a hook and loop design. With the help of friends in the weaving business, De Mestral duplicated the hook and loop of the cocklebur and began manufacturing what we now know as Velcro. The word comes from the French words for velvet (velour) and hook (crochet).

Peter encouraged first-century believers to be of one mind—to hook and loop. Still good advice. His directive didn’t’ mean then—nor does it now—that they had to agree on everything. But they needed to work together. Join hands, arms, feet, and spirits.

One hook and loop serve little, if any, purpose. Yet, a half- or one-inch square of Velcro shows the power of unity—hooks and loops working together to hold together the strongest of things.

Such is the power of unity when God’s people unite. We have different personalities and share various interpretations about some things in the Bible, but our common ground of belief in Jesus as the way of salvation and our mandate to share his love with others is stronger than the minuscule things separating us. We are many hooks and loops with unmeasured power.

The Coronavirus pandemic demonstrated what can happen when people and industries come together to fight a common unseen enemy. Our spiritual enemy is no different. He roams about like a roaring lion seeking to kill, steal, and destroy. But the power of God’s love, when hooked and looped together among his people, will overcome our enemy’s worse tirades.

Strive for unity with others, and be amazed by what God can do through you.

Father, give me a spirit of unity so my work for you might be effective to the uttermost degree. 

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Defining Marriage Part 3 - Martin Wiles

And further, you will submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:21 NLT

“If he wasn’t a preacher, I’d divorce him.”

Martha had been a pastor’s wife longer than she cared to remember. In fact, it seemed like a lifetime. She and John had only been married seven years when he informed her God was calling him into the ministry. She hadn’t bargained for a lifetime of being a preacher’s wife, but what choice did she have? She could leave. That would go against everything she’d been taught about sticking with your spouse through thick and thin. Instead, she chose to stay in spite of the many aggravations she had to endure: a husband who worked continuously, church members who were backstabbers and complainers, and children who rebelled against having to move from place to place every few years.

Successful marriages take mutual submission.

For Martha, staying with John was one of those submissions. There have been historical periods when women had no rights and did what their husbands said without question. Society might have accepted that; God never intended it to be that way. Telling his listeners that husbands and wives should submit to one another was a radical statement in Paul’s day. One-sided submission makes for miserable marriages.

God has established guidelines for the marriage partners.

Children should obey their parents. Wives should honor their husband’s God-given spiritual authority. Men should step up to the plate and lead. They must love their wives as Christ did the church—enough to die for them. Marriages are successful when we obey God’s guidelines—whether or not society recognizes or endorses them.

Marriage is a picture of Christ and the church.

The church is the bride of Christ. Believers submit to Him. He is our head. He promises to care for our every need and never to leave us. Christian marriages reflect the salvation connection to unbelievers.

Marriage is not for everyone.

Some have the gift of celibacy—singleness. And according to Paul, they have more time to serve God. Playing matchmaker is only a good idea if we’re sure the one we’re matching up is supposed to be matched up according to God’s plan for them.

When God is at the center of marriages, success is possible. Put Him there and see what happens to yours.

Father, I commit my marriage to You. Make it strong so that I might enjoy the partner You have given me. 

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Better Together - Tranece Harris

Two people are better than one, because they can reap more benefit from their labor. For if they fall, one will help his companion up, but pity the person who falls down and has no one to help him up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NET

Feelings of defeat and hopelessness overtook me as life’s circumstances proceeded to kick me in the side and punch me in the gut.

I sat paralyzed in my office chair, allowing rivers of tears to stream down my face. I threatened to call someone but convinced myself no one would understand. How could I live in a community of like-minded believers, yet feel isolated and alone? As I reflected, reality sank in. My loneliness was a self-inflicted wound. My assumptions and lack of healthy conflict resolution caused me to convince myself that relationships were too much work. There I sat in the desert, left to face the hardest person I had ever faced—me.

Metaphorically, I felt battered, bruised, and broken and wanted to scream out to the Father and ask Him why He had forsaken me. But at that moment, something clicked, and I felt closer to my Savior than ever before. If no one else could relate to my emotions or understand my circumstances, Jesus certainly could.

I attempted to peel myself from my desk chair to no avail, justifying my withdrawal by verbally reminding myself that Jesus was all I needed. I pictured a hollow chocolate Easter bunny—the only image I could produce to convey my feelings. Isolation proved more difficult than fellowship.

King Solomon explained that we all fall and need encouragement from fellow believers, but we must connect to the body of Christ to get it. We can accomplish more working together than on our own. Even if we think no one can relate to our situation, we may be surprised at how many others experience something similar. Exposure to others provides varying perspectives and new insights.

We were not meant to go through life alone. We are relational beings, meant for fellowship with like-minded Christ followers. Realizing we need others evidences spiritual growth and maturation, not weakness.

What are some ways you can encourage others?

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Tranece Harris is pursuing a M.A. in Christian Education at Dallas Theological Seminary. She serves as the president of the ARISE Women Student Fellowship at DTS and works as an admissions counselor. Upon graduation, Tranece plans to start her own nonprofit to offer life coaching to women at no cost. She wants to help women discover their God-given purpose, identify their unique design, and realize their self-worth. She and her husband, Terrence, serve as spiritual growth facilitators. When Tranece is not studying or working, she spends time with her three beautiful daughters, Thalia Faith, Tianna Grace, and Tamara Peace.

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Fitted Together Perfectly - Martin Wiles

Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. Ephesians 4:16 NLT

Sixteen was a special number, but not because I had a sweet sixteen party.

When I performed the calculation, I had belonged to sixteen churches. Like any other child who doesn’t have a choice about where they attend church, as a preacher’s kid, I didn’t either. And since my dad didn’t stay at any one place long, I had been in five churches by the time I reached sixteen. Then I went into the ministry and repeated the pattern, although staying a little longer than good ole Dad.

I’ve seen my share of oddities as I've made the church rounds. One church melted when ladies began wearing pantsuits. Another had to wait for the monthly business meeting so they could vote to purchase the necessary parts to repair a toilet. Still another lost a few members when they decided to use the family life center for something other than meals. One had policies to follow if a person of another race or culture showed up. One was even bold enough to close down the sanctuary and move to the family life center to accommodate the growth in numbers they expected.

While different from each other, all shared a commonality: they fit together perfectly. Those on the outside may not have understood some of their beliefs or practices, but those on the inside knew their whys intimately.

Each of the churches was a body unto itself. But they also formed a body collectively—even though they encompassed different denominations, beliefs, and worship styles. Their commonalities included belief in Jesus Christ and members using their gifts.

As the human body only functions perfectly when each part is operating normally, so does the church. It’s up to us to determine what part we are by examining the gift God has given us and then locating a church where we can fit our role into the existing ones. When we discover the perfect fit, our body part will enable that church to advance God’s Kingdom. But if we try to fit where we don’t belong, we’ll only experience frustration and create discord.

Have you discovered the church where you’re the perfect fit?

Father, help us discover the church where our gifts will fit perfectly. 

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Jeremiah Wasn’t a Bullfrog

I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. Romans 12:1 NLT

I tried to tell him Jeremiah wasn’t a bullfrog, but he wouldn’t listen.

One of Three Dog Night’s more famous songs—that wasn’t supposed to be—was “Joy to the World.” What made it famous was the opening line: “Jeremiah was a bullfrog.” As a child of the ’60s and ’70s, I naturally loved the song. My dad, on the other hand, a self-proclaimed fundamentalist preacher, hated it as much as I esteemed it. In his mind, the song made fun of the biblical prophet Jeremiah.

According to one band member, the original line to what they planned as a silly kid’s song was “Jeremiah was a prophet.” Perhaps Dad was right. The song's writer, however, said, "Jeremiah was an expedient of the time. I had the chorus for three months. I took a drink of wine, leaned on the speaker, and said, 'Jeremiah was a bullfrog.'"

Whether the song was written to make fun of the prophet or not seems uncertain. What is certain is that my dad was doing his dead-level best to obey what Paul wrote. He wanted his body and mind to be pure and holy before God. Listening to things that were sacrilegious wasn’t permissible for him, and he didn’t want me to either. That might also explain why he rarely visited a movie theater or watched anything but the old flicks on television—the ones produced before cursing and overt sexual content were allowed. 

Even at a young age, I thought Dad might have gone a little overboard, but I admire anyone who stands firmly for what they believe. And he did. Convictions are essential to life. Without them, I’m blown about like a tumbleweed. While I didn’t always share my father’s beliefs, I admired the fact that he had them and watched his example to manufacture my own.

I still doubt the song was making fun of the biblical prophet, but the controversy taught me that some things and people will attempt to lead me away from God’s standards. Only by establishing convictions built on God’s Word can I remain on the straight and narrow path God wants me to walk.

How are your convictions impacting your life?

Father, grant us the courage to establish convictions based on the teachings of Your Word.

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Direction Changed, Mind Not - Martin Wiles

But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. Jonah 4:1 NLT

“A person convinced against their will is of the same opinion still.” A perfect example of direction changed, mind not.

And Ron was. He was a charter church member and had seen many preachers come and go. This new one had come in like a whirlwind and changed everything. He made the church do things they’d never done before and in unfamiliar ways. Quite a few members had left. No new preacher was going to run him off, though. He reluctantly followed most of the changes, despite his heart not being in it. And he took every opportunity to create discord along the way.

Jonah wasn’t much different than Ron. God told him to go in a direction he had no interest in. Nineveh was full of wickedness and enemies. Why should he want God to pardon them? Unlike Ron, he didn’t hang around. He took a boat going in the opposite direction.

But God showed up as a big fish that swallowed Jonah whole. Amongst the seaweed and undigested marine life, Jonah decided to change directions. Shriveled and smelly, he strolled into the city and yelled, “Repent.” They did, but Jonah rewarded God’s grace with anger. He changed directions, but his heart didn’t.

Peer pressure, guilt, regret, and ulterior motives can all convince us to change directions. After all, if everyone else is doing it, maybe we should also. If we’ve wronged someone in the past, perhaps we should help them before it’s too late. And maybe the change is worth it if we can see our name in lights. Ron and Jonah were convinced to go in the right direction but for the wrong reason.

I’ve gone in the right direction for the wrong reason myself. When I do, there’s always a battle inside my heart, along with dissatisfaction. The only cure is to go in the right direction for the right reason. And the only way we can do this is through repentance and heartfelt sorrow for our actions or attitude. Then we can accept what God sends our way or calls us to do with the right spirit.

God’s way is always best; we simply have to believe it. And hopefully, it won’t require a stint in a whale’s belly.

How can you sync your heart with the direction you’re traveling?

Father, as we travel the way You’re leading us, help us to go with a willing heart and for the right reasons. 

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Walk-on Wednesday - Removing the Bitter Roots - Martin Wiles

Welcome to Walk-on Wednesday. By Hump Day, we are struggling, but we believe a good devotion can strengthen us to finish the week strong. 

Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you. Hebrews 12:15 NLT

I pegged her as a troublemaker from the moment I met her.

My pastor had identified her as the same long before I came to the church. Every Sunday, she sat on the back pew with folded arms and a sly smirk. No song or message seemed to penetrate her tough façade. She was a long-time member that members had passively permitted to run the church. Previous pastors had allowed it, but her current pastor wasn’t granting her the same privileges. Though the new pastor had stripped her authority, she remained at the church until she died, spreading her root of bitterness to all who interacted with her.

The writer cautioned first-century churches against such roots of bitterness. They might show up in the form of legalists, false teachers, or persecutors. Some were enamored with “do and don’t” lists, while others didn’t believe in Jesus as the sole means of salvation. The church had the responsibility of rooting out these bitter roots.

I’ve been associated with many churches because of my upbringing and profession. I’ve never found a perfect one, nor do I expect to. Every church I’ve belonged to had a group or a person who thought it was their God-given right to run the church. None did with sincerity, and ulterior motives were always present.

While I shouldn’t expect perfect churches and can’t control the actions of others, it’s my responsibility to help lovingly root out anything that causes discord, disunity, and false teachings. How to do it productively and wisely hinges on God’s wisdom which he is anxious to give. Others may misunderstand us when we act, but God wants right and peace to prevail in his churches. As a member, it’s our task to see that they reign.

Are you a peacemaker or a peace taker in your church?

Prayer: Father, prompt us to work for peaceful relationships in our churches. 

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Throwback Tuesday - Strength in Unity - Martin Wiles

Strength in Unity

We can accomplish more together than we can apart.

Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. Ephesians 4:3 NLT

A charter member leaves the church because children are allowed to play games in the family life center. A group splits and forms their own church because they didn’t like a decision made by the majority. A member spreads vicious rumors about one of the church’s leaders even though they are false. A member disagrees with the majority’s decision on a matter but becomes a thorn that spreads dissent in the church. Members fight over the style of music, the color of the carpet, or what color to paint the Sunday school rooms. A young Christian leaves the church when the church decides they won’t continue in a community fellowship because it is interracial. Just a few of the situations I’ve encountered in my church journey. Read more...

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The Power of Two - Martin Wiles

If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Ecclesiastes 4:10 NLT

His time of arrival had long passed.

My dad once pastored a church that offered a parsonage which was located by hundreds of acres of forest land. Since my middle brother and I loved to hunt, this offered us the chance to do so by simply walking out the back door. Normally, we hunted together, but at least one time, my brother decided he’d go alone.

As the first sign of dusk settled that evening, Mom got concerned. My brother hadn’t returned. When it was almost too dark to see shapes any longer, she sent me to look for him. Knowing the path he normally took, I set off through the woods, barely able to see my way without a flashlight. As I approached the area where I supposed he’d be, I called his name. Among the noise of the animals settling in for the night, I heard him answer.

For several hours, my brother had lain injured. While jumping a small creek, he had injured his ankle, preventing him from walking fast. I hefted him on my back, took his gun, and headed for home. Although in my early twenties, I was exhausted by the time we reached the house. But we made it—something it would have taken him hours to do had I not shown up.

The wise king offered no profound wisdom in this verse, but rather something we tend to forget: two are better than one—in almost any situation.

God created us for relationships. In the beginning, He didn’t create just one type of each animal, but many so they could reproduce and fill the earth. When He brought them to Adam to name, there was none like Adam, so God created a woman for Adam so they could marry and make more humans.

In choosing relationships, entering those that build us up is important. Bad company corrupts good morals, and pairing up the wrong two in a marriage or dating relationship can prove miserable. During my teenage years, I had the habit of picking the wrong friends. They bought me down by luring me into actions I knew God didn’t approve. They didn’t enhance my spiritual journey, but hindered it.

We should also build up those we’re in a relationship with. Life’s a two-way street. We can point them to Christ with our words and actions, demonstrate how to live a life where we’re growing spiritually, encourage them, and do practical things to help them become a better person.

We can always do more together than we can apart. Choose relationships that enhance the positive aspects of togetherness and let go of those that bring you down.

Prayer: Father, guide us to healthy relationships.

Tell us some ways you have worked toward unity. 

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