One in Heart and Mind
by John Berry
I saw a movie about a group of children from Rwanda who travelled across seven African countries to attend the World Cup, where one of them had been invited to play as part of the Africa United football team at the opening ceremony. It’s an amazing story of vision, determination and friendship which deals with some big life-issues along the way.
What struck me most was the way the characters had a total conviction they would reach their goal, no matter what obstacles were set in their way. They worked together under the inspiration of their young leader to get where they were aiming for regardless of personal discomfort, lack of resources and real danger.
It made me think about our life as Christians. We are called to be one Body with our Christian brothers and sisters. We have an overall mission as the Church, but each local organization or group of Christians has their goals and objectives which the Lord has set before them. However, these goals will not be achieved if there’s a lack of unity and insufficient commitment to the vision.
We have the model of the first Christians who had a unity of heart and mind (Acts 4: 32). They expressed this practically in the way they shared their possessions and encouraged each other in total commitment to the purpose. Despite many oppositions, dangers, lack of resources and much personal suffering the Church grew and began fulfilling its mission of evangelism and discipleship.
We have Jesus as our overall team leader, but also God has raised up leaders whom we need to be working with in commitment and respect. In the current economic climate resources are limited but as the song reminds us ‘God will make a way’ for us to accomplish His purposes. Being together in heart and mind will enable us to get where Jesus wants us as we encourage each other onwards, despite the difficulties and obstacles the enemy puts before us.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for the people we share Your ministry with. Thank You for those who lead us and those who encourage us on. Help us to be encouragers and to live in unity of one heart, mind and vision. Amen.
John Berry entered the Baptist Ministry more than 40 years ago, and joined the Team at Ellel Glyndley Manor in 2007 with his wife Jennie. They have both now retired from the team but remain as part of the Teaching and Associate Ministry Teams at Glyndley. John and Jennie have seven Grandchildren.
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