BE THE CHURCH

Ephesians 4:1-3 (NKJV)
1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,
2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

The Apostle Paul wrote these words and it is very obvious, in his writings, that he worked hard for the unity of the church. In all of his letters, the churches with the most problems were the ones that allowed division to come in among the members. As long as the church body was united, they could overcome any problem that would come against them.

He used a simple process in verse two for all churches to follow.

• Lowliness, (humility).
• Gentleness, (kindness to one another).
• Long-suffering, (being patient with one another).
• Bearing with one another in love, (be available to help carry each others burdens).

Paul knew, when these four things were taught and practiced in the church, it would keep peace and harmony among all the members.

This process should continue to be taught and practiced today. As a pastor, I can’t just teach these things, but I must be an example for each one of them. Not only me, but also the ministers that work under me as well as the other leaders in my church. Unity starts at the top.

I am convinced, that in these last days, the body of Christ must be united more than ever before. We don’t know what all is going to come against the church, but as long as we are standing together, there is nothing that can overtake the church of Jesus Christ. We must pray for unity, teach unity and above all, practice unity.

Those issues that can happen between people are so small in comparison to the spiritual attack that is on our churches today. Stop hanging on to some insignificant issue that is causing a hinderance in your worship. It’s not worth it. Our attention must be on reaching our communities and cities with the Gospel and not focusing on petty issues that are blocking our vision. It’s time to unite as the true church of Jesus Christ!!!

Be humble!
Be gentle!
Be patient!
Be available!
BE THE CHURCH!!!