We’ve noted from Colossians 3:1-11 that we can reach new heights in coordination as a Church when we live from our position with Christ in the heavenlies (Eph. 2:6). Having been raised with Christ, we set our hearts on things above. We put to death the self-driven nature that fights against true coordination (Col. 3:5-9), and “put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” (Col. 3:10). Hence, the Resurrected Jesus is key to our ability to coordinate with one another both inwardly and outwardly.
3 Keys to Coordination Made Possible Because Jesus Was Raised from the Dead
KEY #1: “Christ is all, and is in all.” (Col. 3:11)
When it’s all about Him, and not us, we gladly yield our personal agendas for the greater good. We’re more concerned about what He says, for Christ in the One “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:3). So, we “let the message of Christ dwell among” us (Col. 3:16). And, we do whatever we do in word or deed “in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col. 3:17). It’s “in him” that “all things hold together” (Col. 1:17).
Therein lies our ability to do ministry together with gratitude in our hearts rather than grumbling and complaining when our area of ministry gets less funds or attention than another, or when our ideas get tabled. We find ourselves approaching one another from a higher platform, one of “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Col. 3:12). If someone steps out of line, we find ourselves bearing with them and forgiving rather than inwardly seething or holding grudges or trying to up end them (Col. 3:13).
KEY #2: “Over all these virtues put on love.” (Col. 3:14)
We’re talking about loving as Jesus loves us (Jn. 15:12). He loved us enough to sacrifice His very life for us. That kind of love is the glue that binds all the other qualities we need to function as a coordinated whole “together in perfect unity” (Col. 3:14). It enables us to be compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, and patient.
Notice how Philippians 2:2 qualifies like-mindedness and being one — “like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind”. To “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit” we need love. Love puts others above ourselves, so we humbly “value others” above ourselves, not looking to our “own interests” but “to the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3-4).
KEY #3: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” (Col. 3:15)
It only makes sense that we live at peace with one another in the Church “since as members of one body you were called to peace” (Col. 3:15). Jesus Himself “is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility”. Consequently, we are “fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household” (Eph. 2:14-22).
God designed the Church like a body, as members of one another. If many diverse parts are going to work together interdependently, as one unit, in peace, we need coordination. We can’t follow the manipulative, self-serving politics of this world. Rather, we must “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3). To do that, it must be HIS peace that rules and it must be in our hearts, not merely an outward attempt. When that happens, we can “be thankful” (Col. 3:15) even when everything doesn’t go according to our personal preferences.
For More, Go To: Resources about Resurrection Power
All Posts about Coordination:
- Motivation for Coordination
- Means of Coordination
- Coordination Integral to God’s Design
- Coordination Governed by the Great Commission
- Coordination Showcases Christ
- Coordination in Submission to Christ
- Coordination in the Church is Possible
- Coordination Founded Upon the Gospel
- Grace to Hurdle Obstacles to Coordination
- Holy Spirit Essential to Coordination
- Spiritual Gifts Useful to Coordination
- Motivational Effect of His Name to Coordination
- Does Your Church Function as a Coordinated Whole?
- Jesus’ Resurrection Takes Coordination to New Heights
- Jesus’ Resurrection Provides the Keys to Coordination
- Coordinating with One Another, Not Outwitted by the Enemy
- God’s Word Gets Us Singing the Same Song
- Guide the Body to the Source That Holds Us Together
- Prayer Essential to Coordination