(Galatians 1:2)  And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:

Paul traveled with companions and had regular visits with believers in churches.  If they were anything like some of the believers I know, they probably had late night talks about the Lord, prayed together, and rejoiced in the blessings they received.  Paul’s thoughts were constantly on those around him and the life of the local churches that were being established.

Isolation makes it really tough to live a consistent life for God.  When we are cut off from the rest of the Body of Christ, we are left to our own thoughts, opinions, attitudes and desires without the opportunity for input from others.  God’s organism today is the Church, which is His Body.  We are all supposed to be growing together by each part of the Body loving another part.

(Ephesians 4:16)  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

God didn’t design any of us to live a “Lone Ranger” type of Christian life.  Sometimes we find excuses to cut ourselves off from the rest of the Body.  We make major disagreements out of minor differences and believe we are “standing for the truth.”  Sometimes we fail to remember that the other person who we disagree with is still indwelt by the same Lord Who indwells us.  Let’s focus on the importance and goal of the Body of Christ and take the focus off ourselves.  God doesn’t give us the opportunity to minister to others in order to build our own power or personality portfolio.

Renewed Thought – Lord, when I disagree with another Christian, first help me to remember You are indwelling them just like you are in me.