Not A Political Rant, But Unity Matters.

This is not a political rant, but my apologies if something I say offends my readers. Lately we have seen significant transitions in our federal government, with the peaceful transition of leadership. Likewise, there has been significant transition in my own personal life as well.

I don’t want go into details about my personal life, except to say that transitions are inevitable in every organization, business or nonprofit. Having experienced this personally, my thought is on the question, what happens when we are united?

Whether mission, purpose, or even an activity, when people come together, with the blessing of God, and serve the needs of others, being united makes all the difference!

Take for example, a local church group uniting together to serve the least, the last, and the lost . It’s amazing what God will do as we humbly serve one another. 

Philippians chapter 2 tells us to do nothing out of selfish ambition It is an amazing truth that the apostle Paul gave to us while he was in prison in writing to a church that he had founded. There was dissension in conflict that arose. While Paul could not address the issue in person, he sent a letter that described how the church ought to be.

We all wrestle with ego. CS Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity that pride is the most insidious of all sin. Pride removes humility. Our human nature wrestles with this each and every day. Whether we find ourselves prideful because of our spiritual growth, or possessions that we have, or skills and abilities. Nevertheless, we may find ourselves acting according to our flesh.

Our total dependency needs to be upon Christ in all matters. Yet, this is a pretty big, rather audacious expectation.

Now let me get to the more controversial statements in this article.

I find it remarkably refreshing. As I look to our national/federal government coordinating efforts with the state government, much can be accomplished as they are cooperative and unified. Certainly there is conflict, and there are criticisms, but, streamlining operations, removing duplications, and finding a united purpose is essential. I know, you’re ready to jump on the comment section, aren’t you? 

When I look to the matters of the church, a leadership team that is united in purpose and activity, can accomplish much more than if they were divided. I think of many examples of this in my own local church as well, you can too.

When there are changes in leadership, that’s when the test begins. Absent of a leader, can cause others to rival for attention that demands to be heard. We might even create “micro political” agendas that are disruptive and unhealthy for an organization. In fact, if an organization is not healthy, this will surface and can be very destructive.

Word of advice: let us pray when there are transitions in leadership within each organization! I often recommend a 21 day prayer and fast at minimum in order to create and open this in our spirit and in our heart. Simply put, prayer unites.

I attend many prayer groups in my weekly activities. Why? I find it refreshing to hear people asking God for the solution to the problems that we experience.  I’m sure this pleases God and it gives opportunity for God to demonstrate once again His Kingdom objectives.

Okay, enough of the rant. What is my challenge? Let’s remain united. Read Philippians and see what God has to say. Don’t make application for someone else, apply the truth for ourselves.