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Many ministers have preached messages concerning unity for generations. The universal church claims to understand unity, and most would agree that we should walk in it. I do not believe that there is a Christian that would say that unity was not essential. However, the past year has shown us how far we are from unity.
The news of the COVID-19 Pandemic hit everyone all over the world. One way or another your country became affected. When COVID-19 first hit the government gave rules and protocols for us to follow. This seemed to bring one of the greatest divisions in the church. Should we follow or not follow the Government regulations? I do not want to answer this question in this blog. I would rather us find unity on whatever side we may find ourselves on.
Pastors have gone hard-core sharing their beliefs and some even forcing them on others. If we are going to make any impact in this world, we must find a place of peace & unity. Pastors, leaders, and all members of the body of Christ I stand with you regardless of which side of the fence you are on in this matter. We can love even when we do not totally agree.
No one gave us instructions on what to do with your church when a pandemic hit. Most pastors had to make hard decisions on what was best for their congregation and how to handle this thing that we had never faced before. I lift you up in prayer and break off all the power of any words spoken against you in the decisions you had to make.
1. Dwelling in unity brings greater anointing.
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing—life forevermore. Psalms 133
The words of this Psalm speak to us today. The call to unity is so important. We receive greater anointing when we dwell together in unity. We often speak of one voice or a special meeting where there was unity amongst the people. However, this Psalm speaks of dwelling together in unity.
As I read this Psalm recently, I could see that, as the Psalmist spoke about unity, he referred it to as the anointing of a priest. If we want to see greater anointing in our services, we must break down the barriers that divide us. I choose to look past the small things and go to the main thing. I preach Jesus and Him crucified.
As we continue to pray for greater anointing, let us remember that to have more anointing we must walk in unity. We cannot only pray for greater anointing; our actions toward others must prove that we want it. Our desire should be for unity and then anointing will come.
2. God’s design is that His body would walk in unity.
For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14
Paul then begins to give an analogy of the church as a body. We must all work together for us to function properly. If the church is to rise in the power it speaks of then we must have unity. We can have differences of opinion but decide to put them aside to fulfill the great commission which is our call.
If one of our body parts becomes weak and we do not treat it will then affect other parts of the body. The same is true in the body of Christ. When one member becomes wounded or hurt, they affect all the others. If your kidney is failing eventually, it will affect all the other internal organs. God designed us as a body wanting us to all work together.
When I have pain in an area in my body, I give it my attention. I am aware that something is not right. Have you ever realized that something was not right in your church? Instead of spreading gossip and talking about things you are not sure of why not find the member of the body that is hurting. Reach out to them and build them up.
3. We are living stones being built together.
Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:1-5
Do you notice that the first verse speaks of sins where you need someone else to be able to commit them? Malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, or evil-speaking can not exist without another person involved. We must lay it aside. You cannot do them by yourself.
God is raising up a spiritual house and you and I are the living stones that He uses. He is chipping off the rough edges and making us into a perfect fit for His spiritual house. Once we fit together in perfect unity, we will become that amazing house of His. Allow God to work in your heart today.
Conclusion:
Every part of our body is necessary for it to function properly. In the same way, it is important for every member of the body of Christ to operate in the area they were designed. Each individual is necessary for the church to function at its best. This applies to the local church as well as the universal church.
You are important to God, and you are important to your local church. If you become hurt or offended, please try to make peace. God has placed you there for a purpose. How many churches are missing an arm or a leg because people have decided to leave them? You may have been that arm or leg. Whether they realize it or not, they need you back.
I desire to see not only the local church but the universal church dwell in unity. I believe that better days with greater anointing is coming. God is calling us to put our differences of opinion aside and dwell in unity. It is there we will find the miracles and power we seek.
To see some short clips of this subject, click here for part one and part two
Steven Stoffelsen
Author of Trusting God’s Timing.
Founder of House of Refuge Street Ministries
