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THE IMPORTANCE OF UNITY
FRIDAY, APRIL 21
Philippians 1:27

Ephesians 4:1-6

 

“…in one spirit, with one mind…”

 

THE IMPORTANCE OF UNITY
 
It is important that every church be a united church. Unity of spirit is something that we must all be “endeavouring to keep” (Eph 4:3). Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians was that they “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Phil 1:27). This term “stand fast” has the idea of being firmly rooted, of standing firm and never wavering. It is like a soldier who is appointed to stand guard at a certain place, and must never leave his post (eg. in 1 Cor 16:13: “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong”). It carries the idea of perseverance, allegiance and loyalty. That was Paul’s desire for them, that whether he was there or absent, he would hear that as a church, they were standing fast, persevering in their faith and had not compromised or sinned in any way.
 
This must be done “in one spirit, with one mind striving together” (Phil 1:27). It is not persevering alone but persevering together, for united we stand, divided we fall. The only way a church can hope to stand firm and persevere, is if we do so together. Every member of a church must stand fast together, knit together as one in the Lord. They must stand fast with their leaders, to support them in the fight for the truth. They must willingly participate in the programmes of the church, always asking how they as members can contribute and be useful for the Lord.
 
We must not allow any petty differences to tear the church apart. Any wrongly held biases, prideful ways, or sinful desires can so quickly cause division and factions to arise in the church and must be guarded against. We must endeavour to put aside all such causes of disunity.
 
When we can truly stand fast together, it will be a most blessed unity. We will be as one in our desires for the Lord to do His will. We will be able to enjoy wonderful communion and fellowship one with another. Is this something you are willing to endeavour to keep?
 
THOUGHT: What sins contribute most to disunity?
PRAYER: Father, may Thou bless my church, and help us all walk together with one spirit, united in the Lord.

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