Read: Philippians 1:27 – 2:4
Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. — Philippians 1:27
When we stand together as Christians, we can endure the fierce onslaughts of adversity and the subtle attacks of our spiritual foe. But when we isolate ourselves, or if we’re abandoned by those who should be there to uphold us, we are more likely to fall.
This is illustrated by the towering fir trees of Washington state. A few years ago a violent windstorm swept through the area and many trees that were standing by themselves were blown over. But those that grew tightly together in the forest did not fall because they were strengthened by their intertwining roots. They were able to withstand the strong winds. What they couldn’t do by themselves, they were able to do together.
As followers of Jesus, we need each other. The apostle Paul told the believers in Philippi to “stand fast in one spirit” and to help one another as they faced adversity (Philippians 1:27; Philippians 2:3-4). We too are to join arms and hearts, offering encouragement and hope in our struggles.
We may not know when a fellow Christian is being tossed around by the strong winds of adversity. But we do know this: When we stand together, we’re better able to withstand the storm. — DCE
We join our hearts and hands together,
Faithful to the Lord’s command;
We hold each other to God’s standards —
All that truth and love demand. — DJD
We’re stronger when we stand together. rbc@gospelcom.net (c)1998 RBC Ministries — Grand Rapids, MI 49555