2 Samuel 22:1-51; Jeremiah 6:1-30; Ephesians 1:1-14
Seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 1 Cor. 14:12
Rivalry and jostling for prominence and power were taking root in the Corinthian fellowship. In such an environment, where one believer is trying to best another, “fellowship” is an oxymoron. Seeking and striving to outdo, outshine and outmaneuver one another is not what Christ had in mind in the Upper Room. The camouflage can be elaborate: prayers, verses, gladhanding, and sadly, many side-conversations. Am I really seeking to excel in building up the whole fellowship to be a stronger entity for Christ, or are my motives less pure? —Peter Ramsay
We will love with tender care,
Knowing love to Christ,
[Christians] who His image bear,
For the love of Christ. —William W. Reid