Unity!

Unity!

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, Even Aaron's beard: That went down to the skirts of his garments;

Psalm 133:1‭-‬2 KJV

The Context and Focus:

Today, we focus on another psalm by David, the man after God's heart. He knew the things that made God's heart glad, and the bible is full of stories of his encounters with God. His songs and hymns provide a window into the kind of man he was, and today, we look at another important part of his life which has relevance for us today. There is yet another chapter of Psalms where David said quite clearly in Psalm 122:1: "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD". Here was a man who thrived on making a daily approach to God. No matter how great or bad the day would be, David would always start it in God's presence, singing or making music to God. This present generation could also learn something critical from the life of David here: start the day with God. That start will impact every other part of the day, including your relationships, interactions and engagements.

The Message:

It is my personal encounter with God that will impact my public engagements with men. I take from the blessings of my personal walk with God, and use them to engage men in my public life. When I come before the Lord in public fellowship with other people, what good would I do if I don't have any relationship with God to share? What good would I do if God has no imprint or impact on my life? What would I be bringing into the corporate fellowship of other believers, if I am not a believer myself? The verse above makes it clear that it is good and pleasant when brethren dwell together in unity. There has to be common grounds on which we agree, if we are to be called brethren. As we are from different backgrounds and cultures, there will never be any agreement, unless there is a unique quality that unites us all, and that has to be our relationship with Jesus. Can I say, of a truth, that I have met with this Jesus? 

The Conclusion:

I take from my encounter with Jesus, and I am able to bless my community. It does not mean that there would not be the occasional disagreements, but the One who unites us is far more important than all the qualities that separate us. The verse above says it is good and pleasant, because, as you see in the early church in the book of Act, this was the basic foundation of the growth and increase of the church at the time. It was said of them that it was a daily increase in number, as God kept adding to the church. We can try consultants and experts on church growth, but nothing else can guarantee you success the way God has ordained it, like walking in unity, the type that only God's Spirit can birth and sustain. It is not a flash in the pan, or the occasional comfort we seek when it is convenient. It has to be our default setting, where we allow God move and work in us His perfect work, so we can then impact the world for Him. The world is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God. Am I one? Are you? God's time of favour is here.