“Focus on what we have in common, not our differences.”

A thought by Rick Warren, (2012-10-23) from his book, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? (Kindle Location 2335). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

It is so amazing what we focus on in our first impressions.  I mean some people don’t want to get to know someone because of the color of their skin or their physical shape or their appearance or their age or so many other things.  And they miss out on so many very special people who would add so much to their lives.

That even happens in the church, God’s supposed family.  I mean do you look down on people in your family who are different than you?  Now here is a thought, none of us are totally alike even if we are twins.  God made us different and He wants us to focus on what we have in common not on our differences.

Rick says, “Conflict is usually a sign that the focus has shifted to less important issues, things the Bible calls ‘disputable matters.’ (Romans 14:1; 2 Timothy 2:23)  When we focus on personalities, preferences, interpretations, styles, or methods, division always happens. But if we concentrate on loving each other and fulfilling God’s purposes, harmony results.”

The Apostle Paul pleaded with the church at Corinth in 1 Corinthians 1: 10 (NLT), “Let there be real harmony so there won’t be divisions in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.”

To reinforce Rick says, “We must remember that it was God who chose to give us different personalities, backgrounds, races, and preferences, so we should value and enjoy those differences, not merely tolerate them. God wants unity, not uniformity. But for unity’s sake we must never let differences divide us. We must stay focused on what matters most — learning to love each other as Christ has loved us.”

So what do you focus on in other people?