“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.” (Psalm 133:1)
Unity in the Body of Christ is one of the most beautiful and God-glorifying things we can experience. In John 13:34–35, Jesus said “…Love each other. Just as I have loved you… Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Jesus even prayed (John 17:21) that His followers would have the same level of love and unity that exists between the Father and the Son. This is a level of unity we struggle to even understand, but it is our destiny nevertheless! Yet, as we find ourselves in a cosmic conflict, very often it is our unity that is primarily attacked in underhanded and shrewd ways.
One of the most effective tactics in conflict of any kind is to sow discord/division within opposing forces and their society. If an army, nation, local community or even a family are divided and unable to stand as one, their battle is already lost! In recent days I believe our enemy has been working very hard to highlight, deepen and utilise differences of opinion about various secondary issues, especially those related to Covid-19. This is happening in wider society, in the Church and even within families across the world.
If you chat to 100 people, you will likely hear 100 different opinions… Where did Covid come from? Is it the world’s elite trying to initiate a new world order, did scientists (accidentally or intentionally) release it from Wuhan, is it a random virus mutated from bats, are global pharmaceutical companies (supported by Bill Gates) to blame or is it an act of judgement on the world by God? Is there even a pandemic at all or is it one big scam(demic) to force the world to have mind-controlling vaccines administered? How should we respond, masks or no masks? Vaccines or no vaccines? Is this the mark of the beast?
The reality is that the devil will employ fear, twist truths and spread lies; many of his tactics will involve truth, some lies will be almost believable and some are outright crazy. He will sow division in society, within families, and in the Church. And while it isn’t wise to dismiss everything that doesn’t align with the mainstream narrative, it’s so important to authenticate everything, apply wisdom and make sure that we are never drawn to associating with a divisive spirit. This isn’t a time for engaging in public social media debates about apocalyptic theories! This is a time to share Jesus, it’s a time to know, communicate and be a living example of the Word! Remember, anyone (referring to the person) who sows discord among brethren is an object of disgust to God (Prov 6:19).
Our eternal hope is always reignited when we collectively refocus on Jesus and his Gospel! Jesus is Lord and His Word is eternally sure! This is a time to love God with everything we are and have, and to love and serve those around us sacrificially like Jesus, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ (Galatians 6:10).
Let brotherly love continue (Hebrews 13:1).
Lord, help me in these days to prayerfully and actively pursue ways to protect and deepen unity within Your Body. Holy Spirit please alert us to any and every ploy of the devil and as we stand together, and as we learn to love well, reveal the beauty of the Bride of Christ to the world!