 Unity As a growing church, we are in the processof forming committees. We are realizing more and more, God's plan for us. We know that everyone has a place in the body, as we know that Christ is at the head. Unity is very important and something that we lift up in prayer. God's Word says it best...
Genesis 13:7-8 And quarreling arose between Abram's herdsmen and the herdsmen of Lot. The Canaanites and Peizzites were also living in the land at that time. So Abram said to Lot, "Let's not have any quarreling between you and me or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are brothers. Surrounded by hostile neighbors, the herdsmen of Abram and Lot should have pulled together. Instead, they let petty jealousy tear them apart. Similar situations exist today. Chistians often bicker while Satan is at work all around them.
Rivalries, arguments and disageements among
Nehemiah 4:16 From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and ammo. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Juda who were building the wall. The workers were spread out along the wall, so Nehemiah devised a plan of defense that would unite and protect his people - half the men worked while the other half stood guard. Christians need to help one another in the same way, because we can become so afraid of possible dangers that we can't get anything done. By looking out for each other, we will be free to put forth our best efforts, confident that others are ready to offer help when needed. Don't cut yourself off from others; instead, join together for mutual benefit. You need them as much as they need you.
Psalm 133:1-3 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were blessing, even life forevermore. David stated that unity is pleasant and precious. Unfortunately, unity does not abound in the church as it should. People disagee and cause division over unimportant issues. Some delight in causing tension by discrediting others. Unity is important because... 1) It makes the church a positive example to the world and helps draw others to us... 2) it helps us cooperate as a body of believers as God meant us to, giving us a foretaste of heaven... 3) it renews and revitalizes ministry because there is less tension to sap our energy. Living in unity does not mean that we will agree on everything, there will be many opinions, just as there are many notes in a musical chord. But we must agree on our purpose in life - to work together for God. Our outward expression of unity will reflect our inward unity of purpose.
Acts 2:40-43 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation. Those who accepted his message were baptised and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. About 3,000 people became new believers when Peter preached the Good News about Christ. These new Christians were united with the other believers, taught by the apostles, and included in the prayer meetings and fellowship. New believers in Christ need to be in groups where they can learn God's Word, pray, and mature in the faith. If you have just begun a relationship with Christ, seek out other believers for fellowship, prayer and teaching. This is the way to grow.
John 17:21-23 That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. If I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Jesus' geat desire for his disciples was that they would become one. He wanted them unified as a powerful witness to the reality of God's love. Are you helping to unify the body of Christ, the church? You can pray for other Christians, avoid gossip, build others up, work together in humility, give your time and money, exalt Christ, and refuse to get sidetracked arguing over divisive matters.
Jesus prayed for unity among the believers based on
Acts 4:32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared eveything they had. Differences of opinion are inevitable among human personalities and can actually be helpful, if handled well. But spiritual unity is essential - loyalty, commitment, and love for God and his Word. Without spiritual unity, the church could not survive. Paul wote the letter of 1 Corinthians to urge the church in Corinth toward greater unity.
None of these Christians felt that what they had
1 Corinthians 1:10-11 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. By saying brothers, Paul is emphasizing that all Christians are part of God's family. Believers share a unity that runs even deeper than that of blood brothers and sisters. To "agree with one another", allows for "no divisions" and "be perfectly united in mind and thought" does not require everyone to believe exactly the same. There is a difference between having opposing viewpoints and being divisive. A group of people will not completely agree on every issue, but they can work together harmoniously if they agree on what truly matters - Jesus Christ is Lord of all. In your church, speak and behave in a way that will reduce arguments and increase harmony. Petty differences should never divide Christians.
1 Corinthians 12:12-13 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free - and we were all given the one Spirit drink. Paul compares the body of Christ to a human body. Each part has a specific function that is necessary to the body as a whole. The parts are different for a purpose and in their differences they must work together. Christians must avoid two common errors: 1) being too proud of their abilities, or... 2) thinking they have nothing to give to the body of believers. Instead of comparing ourselves to one another, we should use our different gifts together, to spread the Good News of salvation.
The church is composed of many types of people
1 Corinthians 12:14-26 Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact, God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division of the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it, if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Using the analogy of the body, Paul emphasizes the importance of each church member. If a seemingly insignificant part is taken away, the whole body becomes less effective. Thinking that your gift is more important than someone else's is an expression of spiritual pride. We should not look down on those who seem unimportant, and we should not be jealous of others who have impressive gifts. Instead we should use the gifts we have been given and encourage others to use theirs. If we don't, the body of believers will be less effective. What is your response when a fellow Christian is honored? How do you respond when someone is suffering? We are called to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15). Too often, unfortunately, we are jealous of those who rejoice and apathetic toward those who weep. Believers are in the world together - there is no such thing as private or individualistic Chistianity. We shouldn't stop with enjoying only our own relationship with God; we need to get involved in the lives of others.
Romans 12:4-8 Just as each of us has one body
God gives us gifts so we can build up his church.
No one is ever going to be perfect here on earth,
To build unity is one of the Holy Spirit's
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