Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Betsy Ore Glass

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. – Romans 16:17 ESV

The sand fence today reminds me of the word division. But rather than focus on division, I would like to shift my thoughts to unity. The dictionary for unity says this: the state or fact of being united or combined into one, as of the parts of a whole; unification. absence of diversity; uniform character. oneness of mind, feeling, harmony, or agreement. That is the ideal and one we should consider. Romans 14;19 says, “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual rebuilding.”

So how can we do that when we are in a world that is out of sync with God’s ways? I think about this often, we cannot discount the power of prayer. Praying for the ones that have fallen, lost their way and have moved from God. Maybe some never knew God. How our prayers could make a difference! I have realized that the way we live our life can be one of the best examples to draw others close to Him. When we have peace deeply rooted in our heart and God’s Light within us we shine when we don’t realize it!

Where do I begin? Repent and ask God’s forgiveness when we have contributed to division in our homes and workplace, among our friends. A house divided will fall. Then look for opportunities to offer peace in all situations and use wisdom in knowing when and what to say. Then Romans 12:18 says to live if possible, as it depends on us to live peaceably with all. It’s a good start.

Betsy Ore Glass has long-standing ties to the Outer Banks. From Virginia Beach, her family bought a vacation cottage in the 60s and her love of the area began. Later in the 90s, Betsy and her husband bought a weekend cottage and introduced the area to their children. Then Betsy’s parents retired to KDH where the family gathered often. Reach her at betsyglass1@gmail.com. To learn more about her new book, Reflections by the Sea, visit betsyoreglass.com.

READ ABOUT NEWS AND EVENTS HERE.