Unity in the body of Christ (the church) is important. If we say we are in fellowship with the Father, we can walk in unity with one another.
When the day of Pentecost came, the Scripture tells us in Acts 2:1, they were all with one accord in one place; nothing changes for us today. Here we can see the importance of being of one mind in everything the Lord does through His body. Of course, we can walk in unity! We have the evidence here throughout the Scriptures. The Lord requires unity to accomplish His perfect will through us. In unity, He pours out His greatest blessings.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8
We understand that as a body, we all have a role to play, but that doesn't mean we can't be in unity. Unity leads us to fellowship with one another.
If we look here in Acts 2:42, they continued steadily in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
These believers here in Acts, devoted themselves constantly to the apostles' doctrine and fellowship. The apostolic doctrine is a one doctrine, not a divided doctrine!
This group of believers were gathered together, having fellowship with one another because they were of the same mind, and it is equally necessary for us as believers.
In some congregations, believers are divided into groups, and it is obvious that there is division. With being in the same place, we must have fellowship with one another. A church must be united, not divided, not in cliques! That is of the world, not of the body of Christ.
Paul exhorts believers to have the same mindset in 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11 For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. 12 Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
Fellowship among brothers must be genuine, honest, transparent, and like-minded. Nothing is hidden, there is no hypocrisy in the Kingdom of God. As believers, we must be real! When there is nothing hidden in the dark, we can share as brethrens because we are of the same mind in everything that concerns the Kingdom of God.
We must understand that we are the people of Christ, we are brothers and sisters, doing our part as a body. Not envying one another, no one is greater than the other. We are one body, carrying out the work of the Kingdom of God.
When we see each other as brethrens, and not as "I am greater than you," we can accomplish more for the Kingdom. There is mutual respect for one another.
In the Kingdom of God, there is no place for division. Division has been caused by man. Man has divided the church. Man has divided the brethren. Man has led the church astray with his own agenda, with its teachings, bringing the body into error, diverting the church into seeking vain, earthly, and worldly things. You may enjoy earthly things for a moment, but that will not accomplish the will of God. Our concern should be for the things above, not earthly things. Doing the will of our heavenly Father must be our priority, receiving His word and living for Him!
The Lord is very clear through His Word: it is time for us, as the Body of Christ, to align ourselves with His truth. When we understand the unity the Father requires of us, then the Father can accomplish His will through us.
Church leaders are responsible for maintaining unity and sound doctrine in their places of authority, ministries, and congregations.
Let us remember this: in unity, the Lord sends His greatest blessings!
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 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. 3 It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing— Life forevermore. Psalm 133:1-3
Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:1-4
|