God’s children, those born of the Spirit, are one in Christ. We are one body with one Spirit and one Lord of all. Unity among our brothers and sisters in the Lord is absolutely essential. The apostles wrote to all the churches calling on the saints to live together in unity, not to quarrel about minor issues, and to live in peace with one another. Peter said we must obey God because we are His children and warned us not to go back to our old, sinful ways. Do what pleases God. 1 Peter 1:14 The danger of divisiveness and being judgmental in the body of Christ is real. Too many churches have split apart due to minor differences causing harm and dysfunction. Harmony among the saints is especially important to God. It is not always easy to get along with others, but the Holy Spirit helps us imitate Christ by walking in love. Jesus gave us a new commandment to love one another.
There is perfect unity between the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. They don’t try to get the best of each other or criticize each other or show favoritism. The holy Trinity is the Lord Almighty, the Most High, who has no beginning or end. When we humble ourselves and let the Spirit of God guide us in wisdom and truth, then unity and peace will result, and God is glorified. The church must learn to cross denominations and work together in unity and love.
When Israel became a divided kingdom, the devil was rejoicing. Divide and conquer is his motto. The people broke their covenant with God and engaged in horrible pagan practices. God patiently sent His prophets and warned Israel to repent. God promised to bless His people with abundant crops, no sickness or disease, no one would be barren among them, and His people would lend and not borrow. The Lord’s heart is always to bless His people. The church must learn from Israel’s disobedience. Jesus taught us to live in harmony with our brothers and sisters in the church. In his letter to the church, Paul wrote that God gave us apostles, prophets, evangelists… to equip the saints for ministry and build up the church. The goal is to reach unity in the faith and the full knowledge of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13.
Before Israel became a divided kingdom, Solomon, David’s son, reigned over this extremely prosperous nation. He dedicated God’s Temple, and all Israel gathered together. The Temple was an astonishing structure with expert craftsmanship of pure gold, fine silver, marble, and stunning jewels. The priests reverently set the Ark of the Lord’s covenant in the Most Holy Place. The musicians, singers, and trumpeters joined in a grand chorus as Solomon and all God’s people worshiped the Lord. Suddenly, a cloud of God’s glorious, holy presence filled the Temple, and everyone was overcome by God’s power and glory!
Imagine what unity in the church will bring when we praise and give thanks to the Lord as one in Christ. Solomon dedicated a prayer to God Most High, El Elyon, who shows unfailing love to all who obey Him and are eager to do His will. Harmony brings happiness. Pray for unity in the church. Pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and for God’s glorious presence to be manifest with great power. We must deeply hunger to know more of the Lord than a routine church service. Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. Unity among believers brings God’s richest blessings and His glorious presence. Choose unity, for we are one in the Spirit; we are one in the Lord.