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Can
you imagine for a moment what it must be like to be a porcupine? You are
out on a cold night and you want to get warmed up, so you snuggle up to the other
porcupines gathered in your social group. As the warmth of multiple bodies
starts to build, you and the other critters start to let out a little heat by
extending your quills. But that is irritating to the others around and so
you separate. Soon, everyone is cold again and it is back to trying to snuggle,
and then the quills come out. This "dance" could last the whole chilly night!
You might say that porcupines need each other-- but they needle
each other! The same could be said of Christians.
The Bible describes the makeup of the church as being the
body of Christ. Obviously, the different parts of a body need each other.
Paul discusses the resultant need for unity in Ephesians
4. We should be "diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in
the bond of peace." (verse 3)
It takes effort to get along
with other believers. The word "diligent" tells us there has to be an ongoing
effort. "Bond" could also be translated "glue." Making a strong effort
for peace in the church will have a profound effect on the unity that is needed
to carry out the church's mission. And it's your job to work at peace!
Yes, someone may needle you as you get closer to him or her.
But there is a lot at stake in keeping unity. The
dance is worth it.
All Scripture references are from the New American
Standard Version unless otherwise noted.
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Porcupine Dance 
