In 2007, a group called "The Brotherhood of Man" released an album called "Save Your Kisses For Me." One of the popular songs on the album was entitled, "United We Stand." The theme of the song focused on the love between a man and woman and their commitment to each other. The refrain goes "For united we stand, Divided we fall, And if our backs should ever be against the wall, We'll be together, together, you and I." How times have changed! The refrain of this song could have easily been a theme to describe the relationship of believers with each other. Sadly, the divisions that we are witnessing in the culture today have bled into the fabric of the body of Christ dividing rather than uniting believers. There are not only political divisions but unfortunately racial separation remains a reality in the church. The month of February has been designated as Black History month and I wonder how many non-black churches will be preaching a message at some point during the month on racial issues in the church and the need for racial reconciliation? I would encourage my white brothers and sisters to take note of the messages preached this month in your home churches.
A Time Of Unity, A Time Of Growth
The book of Acts describes a time when the church was closely knit together and united with one sole purpose of reflecting Christ to the world. This was demonstrated in their love for one another which Jesus stated in John 13:34-35 would be the hallmark and distinguishing characteristic of His followers. In Acts 2:42-47 following Peter's address after the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost we read, "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." (NIV) Did you notice how many times unifying words were used in that small verse? The words "they," "all," "together," and "everyone." The fruit of such unity was the growth of the church.
Ethic Division Is Not An Option
Jesus was quite clear in His message to the disciples in Acts 1:8 that the gospel was not solely to be about people who shared common ethnic characteristics but it was to be taken far and wide to all nations. We see the message being reinforced that ethnic division was not an option in Acts 6; Acts 8; Acts 9; and Acts 10. We can't ignore the cultural context or the time period of the book of Acts. We do live in a Western culture in the 21st century. However, the hearts of the early disciples were in tune with the Holy Spirit and Jesus prayer in John 17:23 for the unity of His followers is not limited to a particular culture or time in history. The early church was not perfect and if you read through the book of Acts you will note the moments of tension and disagreement between Jesus' followers. Yet, the early church was able to spread the gospel message by focusing on their mission as commanded by the Lord to "make disciples" looking past ethnic differences.
The Challenge
Will the church in this century be able to recapture the unity of the early church? Are we committed to one another for the sake of Christ and the gospel? How can we expect the Lord to add to our numbers and experience growth if we can't even be on the same page? All churches whether Black or White, Asian or Latino need to consider how we can stand united lest we fall under the weight of division. John declares some powerful words in his epistle 1 John, "Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him." (1 John 3:15 NIV) Let us strive to follow the words of Paul in Ephesians 4:1-6, As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (NIV)
Peace,
Pastor Sheree
