2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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THE PURPOSE OF UNITY
SATURDAY, APRIL 22
Philippians 1:27
Jude 1:1-4
“…striving together for
the faith of the gospel.”
THE PURPOSE OF UNITY
But what is the purpose of unity? Why do we care so much that we are standing and persevering together? It must be for the faith of the Gospel, for the cause of Christ. If we are united but with no clear spiritual purpose, then we are no different from a community club. If we maintain only a superficial unity, but we are not like-minded in the faith, then again it is not a useful unity. We must stand fast “with one mind” (Phil 1:27), having a common purpose and aim to strive for the Gospel, to preach and defend the faith, to hold fast to the truth together, to fight for what is right.
That is the idea given in the phrase “striving together.” It comes from the compound of two words in Greek: sun/athleo. From the second word we get the English word “athlete.” It gives a picture of athletes competing together on the same team. As a group they train together, establish a good rapport, and have a common purpose, that is to win! They are in complete sync with one another, complementing one another with their strengths and knowing one another’s weaknesses well. They can hope to succeed on the field only if they are united, each doing his part. If any member of the team is concerned only for his own glory, or chooses to slack off, or worse be corrupt and fight for the other team, that is a sure recipe for failure. Everyone must be focused on the goal and purpose, that is to do one’s best for the team.
In the Christian race, it is the same. As a church, it is one body striving together for the faith of the Gospel! To fight well, we must ensure that we are all on the same page, united in doctrines, united in our common aim and purpose to ensure that the pure Gospel is propagated, and that no sin stands in our way. We cannot afford to have any in our midst who will not strive for the Gospel, who is selfishly concerned for self or has his own hidden agenda or evil motive for being here. To strive together really means that we are in complete unity, with one heart and mind, all desiring to live for Christ!
THOUGHT: If a church does not strive for the faith of the Gospel, then what does it strive for?
PRAYER: Father, may Thou help me to do my part in the body of Christ.