DELIBERATELY PURSUING GOD
PART 30
UNITED WE STAND

It is obvious that lately in our church God is trying to say something specific – and that “something” is how much He desires UNITY. Being united is a common theme throughout the bible and is one of the “hot” words in our Christian language but hardly is it ever understood or practiced and just like everything else spiritual unity must become a personal revelation! So you are saying the amount of love and unity between us is the spiritual “thermometer” of God’s presence in our midst? Yes, I could not have said it better! We know worship is approaching God with a grateful heart and expressing our adoration to Him in our personal relationship but when we are in a corporate church setting it is crucial to be “together in one accord” with God’s will if we want Him to manifest His glory. Negative, rebellious “fallout” in the hearts of God’s people toward one another is stopping the flow of power and blessings. “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45)

You see unity in itself does not necessarily mean the Kingdom of God is being glorified. There is worldly unity and spiritual unity. Rupp Arena is in total unity when the Cats play but it has nothing to do with God. Unity in God is manifested when His people are thinking His will, speaking His will and doing His will. This is exactly what Acts chapter 2 was demonstrating and we see how God responded with the mighty rushing wind and the fire of His awesome presence. Jesus said, “Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall AGREE on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Mathew 18:19-20) When we speak God’s will and agree with God’s word in unity – stand back and watch God move! This spiritual law never fails and is backed with the authority and power of the universe. It is just as much of a divine principal as the earthly law of gravity. Intercessory prayers united in agreement with others creates an explosive dynamic that can change circumstances and accomplish the impossible but we must also acknowledge the danger of how an agreement with negativity can leave it cold and paralyzed.

Gossip and murmuring is a “dark unity” and a “fruit” of pride that does not give respect and honor but comes against spiritual authority. This is one of the destructive infections that Satan is bringing into the church to stop the move of the Holy Sprit. Many young people today have not been raised up within a Godly home (even though the parents went to church.) You see, going to church does not automatically make a family sanctified – Christianity is all about allowing our mind to be renewed and our will to be transformed into the character of Christ. Children that listen to parents condemn and spew out criticism against church leadership will naturally absorb their persuasions. Young minds are influenced easily and seeds can be sown that can continue to grow throughout a lifetime about certain matters. Many adults embrace certain social, political and religious views that were “accepted” in their early years of development and still do not realize why they believe like they do. Many parents never consider that sowing discord has a much farther impact that just their own personal opinion; it can and will have a direct effect on all those who are listening.

Over the last few years it is no secret there has been division in our congregation. Some have left and others have decided to stay planted but have backed away quietly to observe and pray. The major problem with “unrest” is that everyone has ideas and thoughts about why things happen and whether they point fingers or not usually have an attitude about who is to blame. These feelings whether spoken or not are still present in the conscience and are still felt in the atmosphere of our unity. This is why discord and division creates not only a dangerous environment (remember Miriam) but can also bring depression discouragement, apathy and lukewarmness. No wonder many churches have lost their excitement and enthusiasm to see God’s miracles, signs and wonders. “And Jesus called the multitude, and said unto them, hear, and understand: Not that which goes into the mouth defiles a man; but that which comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” (Mathew 15:11)

The world desperately needs to see us love each other and worship as a spiritual family in one accord with God’s desires and visions. Jesus prayed in John chapter 17, verse 11,”that they may be one, as we are.” The first step is recognizing (revelation) – the second is deciding (taking action) to respond.