Glorify

Glorify

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I SPOTTED THE MAMMOTH CARDBOARD BOXES stacked on the steps of our front porch as soon as our car pulled into the driveway.

“What in the world are those?” I asked, turning a suspicious eye on my husband. “Did you order something online?”

He shrugged, looking confused, until his face cleared. “Oh, it must be the diapers my friends sent!”

Nonplussed, I continued to stare until he explained. “I told my buddies that we were bringing supplies down to Minneapolis, and they offered to help out by sending something for us to drop off.”

Hearing his explanation, I couldn’t help but pause and thank God for the way he is glorified when communities come together to serve one another. Recent unrest in Minneapolis and a pause in the city’s bus service had left many neighborhoods stranded, their residents unable to reach stores in order to purchase groceries and other supplies. As a result, many churches and people from surrounding communities had banded together to provide food, diapers, and personal care items. Earlier in the week, a few of us had traveled to the area to spend the day at a local church, distributing necessities.

Despite the outpouring of support, the need was still great. On the phone the next day, Tim happened to mention what we were doing to a couple of coworkers who are also friends. Immediately, they offered to help.

Jesus demonstrated servant leadership by serving others during his ministry on earth, and I believe he is glorified whenever we come together to help one another. Though Tim’s friends live thousands of miles away, they sent a collective 1,300 diapers to our home. Cluttering up the steps of my home, the result of their generosity was amazing to witness. But the heart behind their decision to help was equally encouraging. As members of the body of Christ, each of us has a part to play. When we work together in harmony, our collective voices—and the actions we take to serve one another—can glorify God.

Lord, thank you for the gift of friends who come alongside us. May our words and actions produce a sweet harmony that glorifies your name. Amen.

-Kristin

One Good Step: Glorify God by serving alongside someone today.