Keeping the unity - Its hard work people

Eph 4:3 - Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Last week had been quite challenging. In the midst of the excitement to do our best for the coming key events, the devil unwittingly and without any suspicion, starting sowing seeds of discord and this too amongst good friends. Small and trivial matters suddenly become points of contention. Suddenly programs begin to disintegrate, excitement begins to waver and anger shoots rocket high. When everything was moving forward, all of a sudden something happens that disrupt the momentum. 

On the part of the leadership, its frustrating and even worrying. Why this all of a sudden? Have we done something wrong? We had to grapple with questions like these.

While on the surface it appears to be a problem with inter-personal skills and poor cooperation but on close scrutiny one can perceive the finger prints of the elusive enemy at even turn. 

The only thing that can be done is to go to the Lord in silent prayer and cry for wisdom to diffuse the situation. The words in Isaiah 59:19 - When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. Yes its always important to resale God is in control.

Even Nehemiah faced a similar problem when building the walls. We read in Nehemiah Chapter 3 that every one was engaged and enthusiastic in building the wall. There was excitement and unity. They were doing something against all odds. Suddenly we read about setbacks in chapter 4 onwards. One after another. Cracks in unity begin to appear. But Nehemiah responded with prayer, work, vigilance and focused on the Lord and the walls. 




That's what we did.

You see Satan doesn't mind when churches gathers to sing and to hear soothing sermons about how to use the Bible to achieve personal success. Those churches are no threat to his domain of darkness. But the moment the church is engaged in intercessory prayer, evangelism and missions, the devil will not keep silent. He will do all he can to disrupt and destroy.

Once a church realises its purpose and vision and start working on it, the enemy is wide-awake and the first thing he does is to disrupt the unity.

But praise be to God, "the gates of hell will not prevail against the church of God". 

No wonder Paul admonishes the church to make every effort to keep the unity. We have to work on it. It does not come easily. Everyone has to play a part. We are as strong as the weakest link. We cannot allow disagreement or lack of communication to stop the plans of God. Humility and preferring the other is key.  

John Maxwell said, "Its not about titles but towels". 

By God's grace we have realised who our real enemy is and we know when we keep the unity, the battle is already won and the best is about to be unfurled. 

We are expecting for great things this Christmas season. The English tuition class for the migrant workers has been very promising and for the first time we are conducting a christmas program in the dormitory.  And  first time its happening in the dormitory as well. We are in labour pains now to see the first fruits of this labour . Praise God for the brothers and sisters who have patiently gone there week after week to conduct the classes. We are praying and expecting. All glory to God.