Ephesians 3:8,12 There are always more “unsearchable riches.” Be bold!
The Costs of Division and the Benefits of Unity
Luke 11:17 Division starts in the heart.
Joseph’s brothers sinned against him. Although good came of it, it never should have happened. Their actions were a result of a bad attitude, animosity, and ultimately, division.
1 Corinthians 11:16,17,18,19,20,21,22, 1 Corinthians 11:29,30,31,32,33,34 The cause of division was cultural and social. The wealthy families employed others to harvest. There were two classes of people. The Christian community was not to have two classes. All were meant to work together and be equal.
Proverbs 6:16,17,18,19 Preferences and groups affect unity, which creates an inability to serve the community. This is a cost of a divisive spirit.
Galatians 5:15 Association with other Christians and worship matter.
Acts 2:1 Their personal preferences were not the focus. The Spirit of God honors unity. The benefit is being blessed by God's spirit to have the needed power.
Benefits of unity
- Working together
- Harmony
- Support
- Respect
- Love
- Prayers answered
- Purpose
- Force
- Advice
- United purpose
- Encouragement
Not effective for unity
- Gossip
- Lying
- Separation
- Fault finding
- Unthankfulness
- Pride
- Deception
- Discouragement
- Suspicion
Families are like congregations. They have the same stresses and causes of division.
When family members are disgruntled or upset, there are two options: work out the problem or become estranged. To work it out is drawing nigh to God. Satan is the enemy and he will flee. Family is meant to support each other and stick together. Don't allow differences, even animosity toward God, split up the family. It is our first field of mission.
1 Corinthians 7:14 The Gospel and spirit of unity comes to the family from a believer.
What’s my attitude? Do I exhibit pride, stubbornness, or inflexibility in difficult family situations?
As an individual, do I have unity within myself? Struggles with division in the mind are not necessarily a result of mental disorders. This can just be someone who is divided in their affections to God. A Christian who is centered and know who they are and who they serve has unity of purpose. God can use this person.
Bible personalities with unity of purpose and spirit:
- Joshua
- Ruth
- Joseph
- Esther
- Jesus
- Abraham
- Daniel
- David and Jonathan
- Able
- Job
- Barnabas
- Moses
- Noah
Matthew 6:24 Opinions and preferences should not divide. A divisive spirit hinders the work of God.
Deuteronomy 4:29,30,31 A mind that is divided will neither head toward God or away from God. A divided mind, heart, and loyalty is of little value to God compared to a unified mind, heart, and loyalty.
