JUN 4

Psalm 133: 1-3
Memorise Psalm 133: 1
“How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity”

HOW DID THE BP CHURCHES GROW? (III)

The psalm today is one of the shortest, but one of the loveliest psalms! Verse One speaks about the unity of brothers and sisters in Christ, and this is not only “pleasant”, but also “good”, including being good for church growth. This unity in faith was one important reason why the BP churches grew so well during the first few decades from 1950 onward. This happened when the members (especially the leaders) were united in their faith in God and love for His Word. With such blessed unity in place, all the leaders and the congregation members would be able to work together with one accord, all striving together for the faith for the gospel. That is what the Psalmist also realized, when he penned this Psalm, as he knew that such unity was something indeed so rare and precious. It was like the precious anointing oil that they used once a year to anoint the High Priests, but yet so wonderfully fragrant and refreshing. It is as valuable and life-giving as the snow that melts from Mount Hermon up in the north, which then flows down through the rivers to give life to the lands round about. This is the effect that true unity can bring, and is what we too should strive towards.

Unfortunately, the serpent crept in and sowed discord in the churches, and now we see many of them falling by the wayside. Through the years many problems arose in the BP church, as leaders could not get along, and doctrinal differences pushed churches apart. The blessed unity that they once shared was shattered. We must realize that such unity cannot come at the expense of truth. True unity only comes when every party is in complete agreement one with another. We cannot for the sake of unity, dispense with the truths of God’s Word. It is only when we are in complete unity, that there can be true spiritual blessings and growth in the church.

Yes, unity must be unity in God’s truth, and not an artificial human unity, sweeping problems under the carpet. When we have this true unity, then the church can grow with the blessings of the Lord, just as the dew from Hermon can grant life to the land.

Thought: We may be saddened by the problems in the church, but we should learn to see these problems in the right perspective.
Prayer: Lord, may Your children in Calvary Pandan and other faithful churches remain in unity in love for You and faithfulness to Your Word.