CHRISTIAN UNITY

Philippians 1:27-28

"Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God."

Recently a tornado devastated a community in Oklahoma. No sooner had the weather begun to clear, hundreds were mobilized to give aid to victims of the tragedy. They had a oneness of purpose to help those in need. How much more should we Christians unify to help those who have spiritual need! Today, we must catch the urgency of unity among believers. In a world that is becoming increasingly hostile, we need to show a singleness of purpose. Paul encouraged oneness in the church at Philippi. Here are four areas in which that oneness is expressed.

Being one in the spirit is to have the same attitude, intent and goal. Recently, I said to someone, unable to attend a meeting at the chapel, "We missed you." He said, "I was there in spirit." In other words, he would have been there circumstances permitting. He was one with us. Oneness in Spirit does not mean maintaining fellowship with non-Christians or cults hiding under the Christian flag. It is a fellowship with those who confess the Lord Jesus as their Savior, who look to Him for their guidance and who desire His will for their lives. (Rom 8:16) "The Spirit itself bears witnesses with our spirit that we are the children of God."

This is a oneness in thought, will and reason. Christians are to have the mind of Christ. (Phil 2:5), "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:". He humbled Himself to accomplish the will and work of the Father for man’s salvation. Our minds are to be set on God’s will and work as well. The time is growing short and there is much to be done. Christ's mind is to reach out to bring as many as possible into the Kingdom. He has given the same mind to those who are His. The fields are white for harvest, but the laborers are few. The Lord has us here for this reason, to share the good news of salvation. Are you reaching out?

One in purpose is commitment to God's plan, service and aim. God's plan for Christian unity involves growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (Eph 4:11-13), "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:" God the Father wants all of us to be like His Son Jesus. He is our example and goal. Many today have set as their goal a better education, or a better job, or closer family relationships. Although there may be nothing wrong in any of these, it is important to realize that Christ must be before any of them. He is to be our primary goal.

Andrew Jackson said, "One man with courage can be a majority." Yet, many today live in fear, even Christians. Fear of man, of failure, of the unknown, just to mention a few. Fear comes when we start considering the danger instead of the One who can keep us regardless of the danger. Whatever God leads us to do, He will help us through it. (Phil 4:13), "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." We need not fear man or failure or not knowing what will happen because God knows the end from the beginning. He will never leave us nor forsake us. He replaces our fear with His presence. (Jam 4:8), "Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you."

I read about a Peanuts cartoon, in which Lucy demands that Linus change TV channels and then threatens him with her fist if he doesn't. "What makes you think you can walk right in here and take over?" asks Linus. "These five fingers," says Lucy. "Individually they're nothing but when I curl them together like this into a single unit, they form a weapon that is terrible to behold." "Which channel do you want?" asks Linus. Turning away, he looks at his fingers and says, "Why can't you guys get organized like that?" A united Christian front is a powerful testimony for God. Ask Him to help you be all He wants you to be in your stand with fellow believers. God bless.