The Test of “Together”
The word sounds simple but it actually has significant influence over our lives. The word I am speaking about is “TOGETHER.” Together suggests commonality, order, efficiency, and a host of other criteria for a life that is blessed and fulfilling. In our efforts to “Test the spirits” (see last two posts) one of the most basic and obvious indications that our lives are being controlled by the “spirit of falsehood” is a lack of “UNITY.” When the influence of the “Anti-Christ” is greater than the influence of “Christ” in our lives, we will experience “division.”
This problem is especially noticeable in the life of the church. When we lack UNITY all we are really doing is “entertaining Christians.” As a matter of fact, many of our ministries are critiqued by their ability to attract people and then retain them! For years the measuring standard of the organized church has been: how many attends; how much money do we take in; and how big are our buildings. Even among the most devoted Christian, evaluating a church rests on many of these exterior realities.
The Bible is very clear about God’s expectations for UNITY in our churches (which will also result in UNITY in other areas of our lives). Psalm 133:1 says: “How good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in UNITY.” Jesus also said: “If two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:19-20) For years people in churches have said: “Where two or three come together Jesus will be there.” That is not necessarily true. Jesus says that when we come together in AGREEMENT or UNITY HE will be there and great things will happen!!!
Is there more UNITY (Togetherness) or DIVISION in your life? (Personally and relationally?) Would you be willing to take this first TEST to see which “SPIRIT” is controlling your life? or our churches? I don’t know about you but I tremble at the thought that my life is being contolled by the enemy without me even knowing it! UNITY brings peace into every area of our lives. God Created us to live in UNITY with each other. It is so easy to dwell on our differences and lose the opportunity to celebrate our commonalities. Join me in kicking the devil where it hurts! Get TOGETHER!!!
This post makes me miss those discussions the gang would have(no need to be specific about how long ago that was) when you were leading our youth group. You always encouraged us to think about and experience, rather than blindly accept, what was being taught.
So here’s what I think: I think many of us are scared to fully accept one another, flaws, sins and all, because we’re worried about how that will reflect upon us (will we be judged?) and we worry that we are being disobedient to God if we open our hearts to people who do things a little differently than we do.
I try to ask myself, “What would Jesus do?” I don’t claim to always know the answer to that. I do, however, try to embrace Jesus’ temperment (or what I understand it to be.) I’m pretty certain that Jesus didn’t throw stones.
Just my perspective, and I’m so far from perfect. But when in doubt, I tend to lean towards unity. Is it possible to hold ourselves to a high standard and leave the judging to God? Is it possible to stay true to our personal convictions without attacking others? Is that what Jesus would want us to do?
This is the point in the discussion where we would turn the questions back to you.
Chuck,
Hello Chuck:
It is wonderful to see the dedication and mix of persons with special charisms you have as part of your team. through the Holy Spiriy, you have been guided through grace to practice love through service to our brethren in Romania. You are in our prayers as you continue this great work in leading this ministry….Romans 1:11-12