As Chaplain Messner preached today from Philippians 4, he focused in on the character of Euodia and Syntyche. Throughout Philippians, unity is a major theme, and finally in this chapter, Paul moves from the general principle of unity to the specific situation of these two women. A few things to note:

–Paul has addressed earlier in Philippians what matters are worth separating over; matters of the gospel itself. The issue between these two women was not a gospel issue or an issue of clear violation of Biblical standards. Their conflict was a real one, one that was not just affecting these two believers but the unity of the body.

–Paul is not suggesting that we should not hold opinions, or have views on particular subjects. But, are we so concerned with our views or opinions being right that we damage the unity of the church? Are we willing to let go of being right in order to be in right relationship with those around us?

Questions for further thought:

1. Is being right more important to you than anything else? Where do you find yourself drawing lines in your relationships?

2. How does prayer figure into issues of conflict between brothers and sisters?

3. How can you refuse to let disagreement become discord? What are some practical means to prevent this movement toward disunity?

It’s been nearly a month since I posted last. Two of those weeks I was out of the country and as far away from cellphone, email, and the web as I could keep myself. When I return from one of those breaks from technology, I always find it difficult to jump right back in. It’s not that I was far from technology in either Belgium or Ireland, but after checking my email one time, I didn’t go back. So, although I took notes on chapel talks last week, I never got to posting them.

We moved along in our studies in Philippians with Chaplain Messner on Monday, and then heard from the five teams who traveled for Break-on-Impact in Wednesday’s chapel.

This week, we’ll hear from Chaplain Messner Wednesday and Dr. Nielson on Friday. This weekend is Campus Preview Weekend, so we’ll also get an influx of potential Covenant students.

At the end of chapel on Wednesday a brief clip of Chaplain Messner was played. He drove the team van down to Bay St. Louis for a Break on Impact trip helping with rebuilding efforts there. In case you missed it . . .

Chaplain Messner sing-a-long