November 5
Scripture of the day: "John said to Him, 'Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.' But Jesus said, 'Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is for us.'" Mark 9:38-40
Thought of the day: The disciples discussed who from among them was the greatest ... and Jesus corrected them (see yesterday's eBread). True unity in a group of believers leaves no room for individual pride. However, a short time later, John told Jesus that he and the other disciples had tried to prevent someone from casting out demons in His name. They tried to stop that person because he was not in their group. Jesus told John not to hinder him ... and said, "For he who is not against us is for us." True unity in the universal Body of Christ leaves no room for group pride.
Challenge of the day: Group pride and individual pride are both sins. We're better than you is just as wrong as I'm better than you. Unity across groups of believers is important in our witness to the world, John 17:20-23. Unity must be based on truth ... there should be no tolerance of false doctrine. But some groups of believers draw their narrow boundaries in the wrong places. Exclusivity based on your version of truth, extra-Biblical truth, or your idiosyncrasies of worship is wrong. We must be "diligent to preserve the unity in the Spirit in the bond of peace". Ephesians 4:3. We are not commanded to create unity. We are commanded to preserve the unity that is in the Spirit. Are you preserving His unity with all those who are truly following Jesus?
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