God’s Definition Of Harmony

God’s Definition of Harmony

Bible Blast: Read 1 Peter 3:8-12

Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8 (NIV)

It seems as though a lot is being said about “living in harmony” with other people and “becoming one” with the earth and animals these days. Although these ideas and songs make us feel warm and fuzzy inside, sometimes they are nice words that compromise God’s truth.

God’s definition of harmony is very different from the world’s. The world’s definition of harmony is that we can all believe whatever we want, do whatever we want, and all be equally right. The world wants us to blend God’s truth with the doctrines of Buddha, Mohammed, and other religious leaders. That is the world’s idea of harmony.

God says something quite different. When you look at today’s focus verse and see that word, it’s literally saying, “be like-minded, have the same mind.” Now obviously, we can’t all share a brain. Being like-minded means that our thoughts are united. In other words, harmony comes from believing the same thing and living according to God’s standard of truth.

What’s the standard for what our minds should be like? First Corinthians 2:16 says that those who follow the Lord have “the mind of Christ.” The mind of Christ is 100 percent truth, and those who don’t love him can’t understand that truth (see 1 Corinthians 2:14). Living in harmony means having the mind of Christ, and those who don’t know Jesus can’t be like-minded with those who do know him. So if someone doesn’t know Christ, you can’t live in “perfect harmony” with him or her.

That doesn’t mean we should be mean or rude to those who don’t know Christ. Jesus preached often about the importance of loving others no matter who they are. You can love other people but not love what they do.

When you know people who don’t love Jesus, try to look at them as friends who could one day become your brothers or sisters in Christ. Once that happens, you’ll be in true harmony.

Girl Gab: Mom, talk to your daughter about the importance of God’s harmony in relationships. Daughter, pray for a “future brother or sister in Christ” that you know. Ask God to help him or her see that he or she needs Jesus.