Unity - Philippians 2:12
Jesus and His disciples knew the value of unity. While He was preparing His ministry, Jesus selected twelve interns to travel with Him and share in all His experiences. Twelve teammates – with unique personalities, customs, professions, dispositions, social status - - united in love and allegiance to Jesus [and the heavenly Father He informed them of]. In partnership, they journeyed the countryside impacting lives in every location they visited.
Early followers came together in order to receive encouragement and strength during a time of persecution and great hardship. The teammates were weak and vulnerable on their own, but together they were strong. United they were able. United they brought hope to those that were without hope. United they performed miracles [demonstrating God’s power] as they shared selflessly.
The principle of unity is still very important today. As we gather with other ‘teammates’, there must be a commitment to spend time together, listen to one another, and energize each other as we work together for the common good.
Unity is a component of our spiritual health that is similar to our physical health. A good diet and regular exercise lend themselves to a healthy body. In the same way, a steady diet of God’s Word and exercise in the spiritual disciplines of prayer, study, fellowship - - lend themselves to a growing unity with God and our teammates. To stay healthy – we must work at it. At the beginning, development seems attractive and exciting. But we soon realize that work is involved and we are tempted to slow down or look for short cuts. We must remain mindful that the benefits of unity far outweigh our momentary inconveniences.
“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed – not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence – continue to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:12
Dear Lord,
Help us remember that in Your world, relationships and unity are not everything; they are the only things. Help us remember that one’s net worth is determined by our heart’s work, especially with others - - in Your name. Amen.
I love you!
Stay faithful and finish strong,
dale
The book of Nehemiah is another great picture of unity in the people of that time. They were called to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. They were not builders of walls, but perfume makers, goldsmiths, priests, and district officials with their daughters by their side. Together as stated in Neh 4:6b the people had a mind to work and by God’s power in 52 days the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt. What I like about this whole book comes in chaper 6 vs 15-16. So the wall was complete and when the enemy heard of it and saw it, the enemy lost their confidence because they realize that this work had been done with the help of God… Unity in the body of believers does nothing but defeat the enemy.
Thank you Pastor D for this message and the study of Phillipians Tom H.