All For One

Here's another excerpt from my LIFE Journal. I actually have been off a bit this week because of illness and I've missed it. I'm glad to be getting back to into the groove. Truthfully I miss the time with the Lord, there is just no substitution.

SCRIPTURE - "Through the work of the apostles, many God-signs were set up among the people, many wonderful things done. They all met regularly and in remarkable harmony on the Temple porch named after Solomon. But even though people admired them a lot, outsiders were wary about joining them. On the other hand, those who put their trust in the Master were added right and left, men and women both. " Acts 5:12-14

OBSERVATION - Unity among people always brings with it powerful results. It is so clear that the early church experienced community in a way that is so hard for us to find in our present day. Their purpose was singular, to see the kingdom of God established on earth, to bring in the harvest. They knew their cause was greater than any one person's preferences, goals, or agendas. There was a deep awareness within the disciples that this was God's deal, He was running the show. The choice was crystal clear either grab hold and go with it, or to quickly get out of the way. Those who chose to stand in the way got ran over. That's why the most dangerous place on the road is in the middle because eventually if you don't choose a lane your going to end up becoming part of the pavement.

APPLICATION - One of the greatest problems that the church faces today is our lack of unity. It's no wonder there are still people in the world who have yet to hear the gospel, when were spending so much of our time fighting with each other. We are forced to expend so much energy just trying to undo the misconceptions that people have about the church and God due largely to our lack of harmony between those who profess to be Christians.

Honestly, if I didn't believe in God, but was searching to see if I could find truth within Christianity, my greatest objection would not be "why do bad things happen to good people", it would simply be why do those who say they love God seem to have so much trouble loving one another. I mean think about it. If I'm looking in from the outside and I'm searching for something real, something beyond what has been dealt to me by the world, why would I choose Christianity.

We have enough denominations and churches to support every personal preference and agenda that's out there, yet our division keeps us from really seeing the power of God unleashed in our personal lives and in the lives of our churches. The Enemy has a pretty easy job to do because he's got so many of us working hard for his cause. No need to recruit more help, not while there's plenty of good ole church going folk to carry out his plans.

The most disappointing thing about all this is while we busy ourselves arguing and fighting over non-issues, there still remains so many who are confused, frustrated, and disenchantment with the garbage they see. They have been thoroughly disappointed by the hollowness of religion, but still wonder and search for a real personal, powerful God. They're holding out hope that beneath all the trash there is still something of beauty to be found.

I know it sounds like I'm venting on the church right now, but truthfully if I'm to do so I must include myself as part of the problem and solution at hand. How guilty am I of pushing my own agenda, desiring my way instead of fighting for the things that are closest to my Heavenly Father's heart. You see I still believe in the church, not a church, not my church, but the church, the bride that Jesus is coming back to claim one day. I still believe. Most importantly God still believes in His church. When the body of Christ comes together in single purpose, with hearts and minds joined together, it cannot be stopped. This unstoppable force is what the world has been dying to see at work. When it works, it works better than any piece of legislature, social reform, or 12 step program.

We would do well to go back to our Bibles and read, reread and read again the book of Acts until it gets out of our heads and starts to sink into our hearts. It begins with you, it begins with me. We must fight for unity and when we find it we must protect it, never taking it for granted, but instead diligently preserving it at all costs.

PRAYER - Father help us. Forgive us for the harm we have caused your kingdom. Forgive the way in which our actions have resulted in distorting who you truly are. Help us to heal, help us to love, and help us to live beyond our own self-centeredness. Let us not settle for the kingdom of "tomorrow", but let us hunger for the kingdom of "today". May we be instruments used to bring your kingdom to the earth, here and now. May we see your people join with one heart and mind for your purpose and plan. Teach us to love you and to love the world around us. Through the unity of your church may we see your power and works released in us, through us, and into all the world. Amen!