Zax Nature

Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread. Today's reading titled, Zach's Nature, was written by Tim Gustafson. In one of Dr. Seuss's whimsical stories, he tells of a north-going Zach's and a south-going Zach's crossing the prairie of Prax. Upon meeting nose to nose, neither Zach's will step aside. The first Zach's angrily vows to stay put, even if it makes the whole world stand still. Unphased, the world moves on and builds a highway around them.

The tale offers an uncomfortably accurate picture of human nature. We possess a reflexive need to be right, and we're prone to stubbornly cling to that instinct in rather destructive ways. The apostle Paul knew this, so when two members of the Philippian church were squabbling, he loved them enough to call them out.

Then, having earlier instructed the believers to have the same mindset of self-giving love as Christ, Paul asked them to help these women, valued co-workers with him, in sharing the gospel. It seems peacemaking and wise compromise call for team effort. Of course, there are times to take a firm stand, but a Christ-like approach will look a lot different than an unyielding Zach's. So many things in life aren't worth fighting over.

We can bicker with each other over every trivial concern until we destroy ourselves. Or we can swallow our pride, graciously receive wise counsel, and seek unity with our brothers and sisters. Today's Our Daily Bread devotional scripture reading is from Philippians chapter four, verses one through seven.

Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women, since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Now let's pray. Dear Jesus, help us to love others today and every day with a love that is genuine. Mend our stubborn ways and keep us from stirring up strife. Let our gentleness be evident to all so that others will be attracted to us and question what makes us so different. Thank you, Lord. It's in Jesus' name that we pray. Amen.