February 18, 2008
"I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought." 1 Corinthians 1:10
In 1970, I worked on Staff at Owasippe Scout Reservation in Michigan. One day, a member of our staff found a baby skunk by the side of the road, where its mother had been killed by a car. We adopted this baby and started to raise it with baby bottles and later, cat food. Our goal was to keep her until she was big enough to return to the woods on her own.
All of us took care of "Scruffy" the skunk; she was a part of us. As she got older, about six weeks, she started to get her scent and extra care was needed. She trusted most of us, but some of our group was a bit afraid now that she was capable of a skunk's defense.
One morning, a staff man went into the shower, and Scruffy was there. He made a MISTAKE. Instead of trusting, and picking her up to move her, he kicked her out. Guess what? After lots of tomato juice was used on the walls and floors, Scruffy had to go to the woods sooner than expected.
I was sad to see her go, but we all knew it was for the best. That one rash act changed our environment, and we had to separate ourselves from Scruffy. All of us had to be careful – only one was not. Unity is a 100% type of commitment. Scruffy showed this very powerfully. Cooperation and unity are very fragile, and very important. A skunk needs a certain environment, and Scruffy went into hers when she was ready. We Christians need an environment that holds us together, nurtures our faith and brings souls to the foot of the cross of Christ.
Our interdependence as a church body can be fragile like many other relationships. Differences of opinion should always be tempered by unity of purpose. In this way, we can show others our faith and bring more souls to faith Jesus in us Christ.
Dear Lord, help us to see that lasting unity is only preserved and strengthened by understanding and love. Help us to be as one in love for You, and each other. Help us use our combined strength to bring others to you. In Jesus name, Amen.
Mark Behnke