Working Together In Unity

Psalm 74:4-"Thine enemies roar in the midst of thy congregations; they set up their ensigns for signs."

As someone who has served as a pastor for 12 years, I know full well what can happen when Christian people and church members fail to agree and walk in unity. Here is an example of such a situation. At one particular church the pastor felt the focus of the church year should be missions. Definitely missions. The head of the church school wanted education to be the main concern. Finance felt that stewardship was the ticket. Each committee of the church had its own banner to wave. The conflicts that arose over the issue left deep wounds, and some left the church. The different groups sat together on Sunday morning, but they left the sanctuary engaged in bitter argument. What kind of behavior is that for Christians? We are supposed to rise above the pettiness that rules the outside world. If we cannot learn to deal with one another in love, what business have we calling ourselves Christ's church? Our Lord is a Lord of compromise, sacrifice, and caring. No Christian should be our enemy. We are all members of the same body, and Christ blesses those who strive to live in peace and harmony with one another. As we pray today, it is a good idea to pray these words, "Remind me, Lord, that I am a Christian first and foremost. The causes I support are second to the fact that I follow Jesus Christ. Let Him rule in my heart, and lead me in the ways I should walk. Amen."