Thursday, 2^nd February 2023

Andrews Ampomah

TOPIC: THE SUPREMACY OF CHRISTIAN UNITY

THEME SCRIPTURE: Philippians 2:1-4

 PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. What brings about disunity in the body of Christ Jesus?
2. Can unity ever be attained in the body of Christ?

It can be disheartening to see or hear about incidents of disunity among believers of Christ, and its consequences. Sometimes in the home, where husband and wife, who gave their vows before God’s altar are struggling with each other. In some churches also, there're members who are tearing apart one another.

These incidences of disunity and its consequences are not God-glorifying. It does not in any way reflect the unity and love that define Christianity.  Here in these verses, we see the heart of Paul and his desire for the Philippian believers to be united, being in full accord and of one mind, he says. He talks about unity among them as being one thing that will make his joy complete.

It is the desire of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit to see His people walk in the unity that exists among the God-Head.

In the much talked about Jesus’ priestly prayer in John 17:21, Jesus prayed that all Christians all over the world will be one. The essence and importance of unity amongst the body of Christ cannot be over-emphasized. It is the golden thread that identifies the true followers of Christ. The critical question remains – what has been the cause of disunity among God’s people over the ages?

Paul in encouraging unity among the Philippian believers identifies the number one cause of disunity – selfish ambition. In simple terms, selfish ambition is defined as the “motivation to elevate oneself or to put one's own interests before another's”. At the heart of every scene of disunity among believers can be traced to selfishness. It is selfish interest that underpins the desire for power, position and prestige among ourselves. This is what the people of the world fight for. Self-ambition divides and breaks our ranks, it creates cracks in our marriages, homes, churches, workplaces and communities.

Beloved in the Lord, you cannot win; we can win. You can only win when we win together.

Paul does not leave it there but prescribes an antidote for selfish-ambition. He recommends a low consideration of the importance of oneself as against others. Love for our neighbor completely eliminates selfishness. Paul says we should as much as possible make the interests of others our concern. This, automatically, has implications for our actions and inactions.

Beloved in the Lord, one of the greatest needs of the body of Christ today is unity, and your contribution to making this happen is as important as Jesus’ prayer in John 17. You can start with ensuring unity in your marriage, among your family, in your church and in your community. As much as it depends on you, resolve never ever to be the point of disunity. When you go on your knees also pray for the unity of God's people. God bless you more.

 FURTHER READING – Psalm 133

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. In what ways can you help promote unity in your home, community and the local church?

 

CONFESSION

I affirm this day that I am seeking only that which brings joy to our Lord Jesus. I confess that from today onwards, I shall not stoke the fires of disunity but promote unity wherever I go. I receive the strength to overcome any pressure to succumb to self-ambition. I pray that the body of Christ worldwide will experience a new wave of unity by the power of the Holy Spirit and in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

Exodus 7; Exodus 8; Psalm 60; Psalm 61; Romans 12