Living in Harmony

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at
peace with everyone."
(Rom.12:18 NIV)

Traveling north on California Highway 1, I entered a land of towering Monterey pine trees. It was there that I saw a green metal sign announcing the entrance to the charming, sunny town of Harmony, population 18. It was not a hefty population, it couldn’t be called a booming town, but this quaint community of working artisans and their shops caught my attention.

I soon found myself strolling the 2 ½ acre town which consisted of a post office, hand blown glass shop, pottery store, wedding chapel, and the cemetery plot of “Freddy the Cat” who was the mayor up until his death. Now I must say that having a cat for a mayor is a bit different. In fact, it was one of those stories that makes me wonder how did a cat become mayor? Or even better, why would he be elected to office? I asked this question to one of the 18 residences I was talking to and I stood mesmerized at the astonishing story of Freddy the cat and how he became mayor of Harmony.

Apparently, in the early 1800’s there were two families who fought over grazing land for their cattle. The prairie produced rich grains and tall green grass where the cattle could feed. Quarrels between the two neighboring ranch owners became a feud. Dissension grew and the disunity created a breeding pot for hot tempers. The land on which the cattle grazed on was valuable and the division among the ranchers hit their pocket book. After much quarrelling the ultimate payoff for disharmony finally had its day; blood was shed and a life was taken.

Seeing the fruit of bitterness, selfishness, and hate both ranchers met to lay their differences down and came to an agreement to rename the town, “Harmony.” They vowed to share the land from that day on and live in unity.

Well, as the towns name was changed and so were the hearts of the men who lived in it. And after many years the residence of the town decided they needed a mayor. Yet no one volunteered to run for office. There was one four legged feline who did not complain when he was nominated to be the one and only candidate. So elected by the people of the town, “Freddy the Cat” became mayor of Harmony in 1973.

Town’s names may arise out of settling family feuds and laying down pride. And as strange as it may seem even a cat can become mayor when the people of the town are behind him.

God is pleased when we live in harmony with one another. Psalms 133:1 says, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity.” In fact Gods word says that where there is unity He will bless us. “For there the Lord bestows His blessing, even life forever more.” Psalms133:3.

We may not be one of the 18 residences living in Harmony today, but we are citizens of heaven who reside here on earth to live with one another in unity and with the love of the Lord. If we have differences with one another we must sow seeds of unity and not of differences so we can too create a fertile land in which people will see the rich hearts of men and women who belong to Jesus Christ. For words said in anger can destroy families and separate the best of friends.

So if there is someone with whom you are having a challenge with then try to be a bridge to gain that person’s trust so that the love of God may reach them through you. “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8. So if bridges need to be mended take a risk so that you too may live in harmony. For God's Word says, “We were born to be a blessing.” Sometimes to live in harmony we must lay our differences down. God has called us to live in unity and as His Word tells us, there He will command a blessing.

In the town of Harmony where the population is 18 there is a cemetery plot for Freddy the cat. The inscription on his tomb reads, “Here lies Freddy, Freddy Cheanie Alfredo, beloved mayor of Harmony also known as Boycat. Freddy lived all his years and 9 lives in the town of Harmony – well beloved by all. 1973-1995. A cat becoming mayor may seem humorous, strange, and unbelievable, but if Freddy lived his life as a cat who influenced people's lives as mayor; what can we do as children of God?

Jesus Christ chose us to be His representatives here on earth, to speak to the citizens of this world that they can become citizens of heaven when they receive Christ as their Savior. But we must live in Harmony and be an example. “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35 NKJ).

If Freddy lived his life as a cat who influence people lives because he became mayor of a town. Then what can we do as children of God?

Surely with God on our side we can truly live in Harmony. And we don’t have to keep our population to 18. But be a part of the countless of people across the ages that are willing to live according to Gods ways. Who have truly decided to live, walk and be people who have chosen to live in Harmony.

Proverbs 20:3 - It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.

Romans 12:10 - Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

1 Corinthians 12:26 - So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for one another. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is part of it.

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Jesus Christ who loved us on Calvary has continued to love us and will for all eternity. It is not a love that will last for only one day, but it is a love that will never end. It is a love that is pure and one that cannot be denied. After all who else has given His life for you or I so that we may live forever with Him? Jesus Christ came with the greatest gift of all time, His life. Won’t you embrace Him? He is waiting.

Prayer: Father God, I thank you for the love you gave me by sending your Son Jesus Christ to die for me. I realize that I have not fully experience your love and forgiveness for my life that was given to me by Jesus Christ on the cross. He died for me so that I may live forever. So I ask you to forgive me, and wash my sins away. I now invite Jesus Christ to come into my life and I ask you to help me to walk in a way that is pleasing to you. Thank you for reaching down from heaven and touching me with your love and giving me life forever with you. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen

If you prayed this prayer from your heart, I would love to be in prayer for you about this important decision. Please email me at EvelynSpeaks@aol.com. God bless you.