“Be at peace among yourselves.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:13
Every organization has people with a peculiar gift for stirring up discord — seemingly delighted by conflict, pulling others apart just when they need to pull together. Paul's brief instruction, “Be at peace among yourselves,” isn't incidental; it directly follows his teaching on respecting leaders because disunity among the people undermines leadership no matter how gifted the leader is.
Even Jesus experienced this dynamic: in His own hometown, Scripture says He could do no mighty works because of the people's unbelief. God tends to work through hearts that are genuinely engaged and pulling together, not merely tolerating one another. Leadership isn't a solo performance by a gifted individual; it's a shared undertaking that depends on the support of everyone around it.
This means every person — not just officers or staff — bears some responsibility for the health of their church, workplace, or organization. A retiree praying faithfully, a volunteer showing up consistently, someone simply choosing not to gossip or stir conflict: all of these create the “soil” in which good leadership and, ultimately, God's mission can flourish.
RESPOND: Honestly assess: are you someone who, even in small ways, tends to stir up discord, or someone who actively works for peace in your community?
What is one specific, practical way you contribute to (or detract from) the “soil” that supports leadership in your church or workplace?
This week, take one deliberate step toward peace in a relationship where tension has been building.
PRAYER: Father, show me where I've contributed to discord rather than peace among the people around me. Give me a heart that pulls together with others for the sake of Your mission, rather than apart. Make me part of the soil in which good leadership can flourish. In Jesus' name, amen.