Where Is the Unity?
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! … For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore” (Psalms 133: 1, 3b).
I wonder how long it’s been since the world has been able to look at Christians and exclaim, “See how they love one another!” For centuries, people have been focusing on differences instead of what it is that we have in common: the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus prayed for His disciples, “that they may be one, even as we are one” (John 17:11b), and the early Church did strive for unity. They had disagreements at times, but they still sought the Lord to get His mind on the issues. Today, people pride themselves on having the answers and knowing they are “right” that they put down and disassociate with Brothers and Sisters who disagree with them, and maybe it’s because they’re convinced that others aren’t really saved. But two people with opposing beliefs cannot both be right, and it may not be the other person who is wrong.
Unity does not mean you agree on everything, nor does it mean that you don’t argue. I believe the greatest unity lies in two or more people desiring to please the Lord in everything they say and do, being willing to get past the things that divide to find the bond of the Spirit. I think we would see revival if denominations set aside their differences to come together and seek the Lord–Baptists with Charismatics, Mennonites with Pentecostals, Calvinists with Arminians. If they are our Brothers and Sisters, we are going to spend eternity with them whether we like it or not. Shouldn’t we embrace them as Brothers and Sisters down here?
This is not to say that you shouldn’t hold firm to your beliefs. You absolutely should! But you should not neglect fellowshiping with, and being willing to learn from, others who may not agree 100% with your doctrine.
Excellent word Sony. Psalm 133 is our life verse and I always am blessed when others agree with this truth and try to walk it out. So from an Armenian to a ?……love you sister.
Thank you, Sherry. I like how you guys live out these verses. I love you too!
Sony:
What a Word from God.
Like you said it’s been centuries actually in the first Century in the year about 33 AD
There was something that showed the unity of people who were getting saved and filled with Holy Ghost in the early church.
Most Christians when you bring up the extreme unity in the beginning of the early church, they get cold feet
Take a look at the unity in Acts 2:44-47 ” 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”
Also take a look at Acts 4:32-37 “32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. 36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, 37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”
What made these people do this? It was the love for the brethren that Jesus prayed for the disciples and us in John 17:20-23 “20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me”
This prayer was answered partially in Acts chapters 2 and 4. The church should be living as the early church.
These people had not only heard the Apostles preach, but they had heard Jesus teach and preach because it had only been 10 days that Jesus had been gone when the Holy Ghost fell on the Day of Pentecost.
They took literally what Jesus said to the young rich man that walked away sorrowful “If thou will be perfect,sell what thou hast and give to the poor.” Think about it Jesus saying one thing thou lackest. But that man was bound by mammon (money) as most of us are, including myself.
we all have treasures that we are holding on to on this earth. ‘where our treasure is there our heart is.” Sound familiar
The Apostles and the people sold all they had and they were in complete unity and none lacked.
But Satan raised his ugly head in something pure. The fly got in the ointment.
There were three sins that showed up in this unity to sow discord.
1. Covetousness and lying (Ananias, with Sapphira)
2. Racism and discrimination (Grecians vs. the Hebrews)
3. Jealousy (The Temple leaders hated the Christians)
Some believe and teach God busted it up by causing persecution. God did not
cause the persecution, but he allowed it and Jesus had already warned the Apostles they would be persecuted.
Peter even had 7 men full of the Holy Ghost begin to oversee the waiting on tables. So they could received from the Holy GHost what they needed.
I hope this gives a little insight why we don’t unity
Amen. Thank you for your insights.