Hammer on Anvil '

 Last week I blogged about what it means to be part of the Body of Christ. This week I would like to expand that by talking about how vital it is that we "keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3).

Acts 4:32 says, "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had." A quick read through the Book of Acts gives us an accurate picture of what can be accomplished for the kingdom of God when we are unified. Paul's ministry was so extraordinary that we are told, "When handkerchiefs or aprons that had merely touched his skin were placed on sick people, they were healed of their diseases, and evil spirits were expelled" (Acts19:12).

Is it any wonder, then, that the enemy of our souls perpetually pits us against each other and provokes disunity? Consider this quote by Charles Spurgeon:

Satan always hates Christian fellowship; it is his policy to keep Christians apart. Anything which can divide saints from one another he delights in. He attaches far more importance to godly intercourse than we do. Since union is strength, he does his best to promote separation.

Sometimes this separation comes from places you would least expect it. Like when your church is experiencing a crisis, and people bail instead of sticking it out. Or when a sister falls into sin, and you overhear another congregant gossiping about it to others. In this age of technology, Facebook seems to have become the weapon of choice for people to rail against anybody and everybody with whom they disagree. And yes, unfortunately I mean church people. Instead of handling differences in a godly manner, some take the cowardly way out and post inflammatory things on Facebook. Instead of building each other up, we fall right into Satan's trap and do his bidding.

Not taking our church responsibilities seriously also promotes disunity. When we are scheduled to serve in some capacity and don't bother to show up, others are left scrambling. Sometimes things happen and absence is unavoidable, but we should all be considerate enough to get someone to fill in for us if we can't make it. 

Common courtesy and consideration go a long way toward promoting unity. Think about how you would like to be treated, and make an effort to treat others in a like manner. If you see that the leadership in your church is burdened, do what you can to help out. Pray diligently for them. If you know a particular ministry is in dire need of people to fill positions, offer to help once in a while. If you notice that the bathroom is a bit untidy, grab a rag or a toilet brush or whatever is necessary and take a few minutes to clean it up yourself.

Something we can all do to help promote unity is to watch what we say. Before you open your mouth to complain, consider the brother or sister to whom you are speaking. Is your complaint really valid, or do you just want to vent? What is the condition of your brother or sister at the time? Are they harried and pressed for time? Proverbs 25:11 says, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver." Take time to consider if the timing is right and if what you want to say is really important, or is better left unsaid. The Holy Spirit will help you determine the appropriateness or inappropriateness of your speech.

Finally, meditate on this truth from Charles H. Brent:

The unity of Christendom is not a luxury, but a necessity. The World will go limping until Christ's prayer that all may be one is answered. We must have unity, not at all costs, but at all risks. A unified Church is the only offering we dare present to the coming Christ, for in it alone will He find room to dwell.

Blessings on you, my brothers and sisters.