As we press for the mark for the prize of the high calling of Christ; we must remain aware that we have not day to day reached perfection. However, God declares us perfect by the blood of Christ and continuously sets about the task of transforming us into that perfection. Beyond that, we must be constantly mindful of God’s truth. Those who know Christ Jesus as Savior, maturing in the faith; live in harmony with each other. There may be some minor differences; because, each are in varying degrees of maturity. However, there remains a harmony of thought based on the truth of God’s Word and the uncompromising foundations in God’s word. Always mindful to remain humble followers of God’s Truth, growing toward the perfection we have been richly provided by grace alone; we march forward through this journey in harmony with other followers of Christ with discernment.
When looking toward others and choosing teachers along this journey, we must remain in harmony; while at the same using discernment. Furthermore, we pray that God reveal the truth to us, always guiding us into a deeper knowledge of Himself. Paul wrote just that in Philippians 3: 15-16
Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
Harmony with Discernment
Harmony comes because of our positions in Christ being founded upon Grace with no one person being higher in the kingdom than another. Each of us from the least to the greatest stand redeemed only by the blood of Jesus Christ. Each are gifted with various spiritual gifts to be utilized for the kingdom. Not everyone has the same gift or place of service in the kingdom. Those who are called as teachers; need be aware of their greater judgement if they stray from preaching the uncompromising truth of the gospel.
All of us need others who mirror Christ; guiding us along our way. We need sound biblical teachers and preachers. In this, we do need a great deal of discernment; praying that God guide us to the truth; because, there are many false teachers who are only concerned about their own gain. Some filled with pride; while, others seeking financial gain. Even though our positions as maturing Christians must not be ones of argumentative behavior; neither, can we be gullible followers of false doctrine.
(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) Philippians 3: 18-19
How to Have Discernment with Harmony
We must be aware that truth comes from God; by grace to us through Jesus Christ, and guided into our hearts by the Holy Spirit’s working; because God is truth.
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. Philippians 3:20-21
To have discernment, we must study the word of God ourselves with the guidance of the Holy Spirit; therefore, understanding the truth. Harmony results from our not thinking too much of ourselves, babbling on in order to prove ourselves to be higher than another. As pointed out in 2 Timothy 2 15-16
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
CONCLUDING TWEETS
[tweetthis]Harmony and Discernment-How to have both[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”Harmony comes when each Christian humbly remembers the truth of Grace in their own redemption.” username=”effiedarlene”]
[tweetthis]Harmony does not mean gullibility to false teachers[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”Truth can only be true if discernment comes from the gospel itself as guided by God’s holy Spirit” username=”effiedarlene”]
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link, if you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here
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A Broken and Contrite Heart, I published in 2010, answers the question, “What do I do when I keep falling into the same sin? Does God hate me because I keep failing to get this write? So, where do I begin again and find joy in my salvation; after, falling. If you want to know more about this book or the other books I have written: You can find a link at: Book Resources.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
The inscription I added
Photo by Brady Bellini on Unsplash The inscription I added