Discord among brethren
By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
John 17:21-23 "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me." - KJV
This was Jesus’ passionate prayer, that His disciples may be one as He was with the Father. The recorded repetitions are no mistake, but to emphasize the weight of the matter in God’s heart. Its God’s will for His church to be one, in perfect unity!
One of Satan’s biggest, and probably the most successful strategies against the progress of the church, is disunity. This has been largely fueled by denominational lines, personal or other interests. The only time we are commanded not to fellowship with anyone is on the basis of heretical teachings or living lifestyles contrary to the teachings and authority of scripture.
We can never be uniform in methods of operation, the way we worship and do things, but we can be one in the common faith. Just because they are not with us, in our church/denomination or do things the way we do, is no reason to hate them. The disciples once stopped someone who was casting out demons in Jesus name because he was not ‘with them’. Jesus told them not to. He identified him as one of their own, despite not being in their company.
In today’s church, believers have fought, claimed superiority, scandalised and demonized each other over little differences that could easily be ignored – yet claim to serve the same Lord! Do they believe in the supremacy and teachings of scripture, the Lordship of Jesus and salvation in His name, and seek to promote God’s kingdom and live by His principles? Then they are our brothers and sisters regardless of other differences. May we be one, that our testimony to the world will bring Him glory! In this way, Satan will not outwit us.
Ephesians 4:3 "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
Shalom children of God.