THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT

04/16/2023

"And the Lord said, "Indeed the people are one, and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them" (Genesis 11:6).

Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 4:3, asked the church to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." In other words, this was a responsibility for everyone, not just the church leaders, to preserve the unity of the Spirit at all cost. The unity of the Spirit should never be confused with sameness or lacking in diversity, radiance, and glory. The unity of the Spirit refers to harmony, symphony, organization, and arrangement around a shared vision.

This picture was beautifully painted by Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 14 when he addressed the operation of the Spirit. He said, "...whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification" (v.26). In other words, each one should bring their uniqueness and different giftings. Then in verses 27-32, he described the orderliness of operation, each taking their turn showing respect and honor for the other. "For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints" (v.33). It's a symphony of the Spirit! Saints, when we operate at this level of unity, no devil can successfully stand against us. In this realm, selfish ambitions and self-seeking are lost, and Christ and His vision become the focus. James 3:16 says, "For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there."

The place of unity is the place where God's Spirit manifests. Jesus said in Matthew 18:19-20, "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." While prayer was the subject matter in this text, agreement was the key to seeing the manifestation. He said, if they can maintain a united front, I will guarantee a manifestation. They will not only have Me in them, but I will be "in the midst of them." Hallelujah! Saints, this is one key to unlocking Heaven over you. If in your home, business, or ministry, you are not seeing the manifestation of God's presence, it could be that you have abandoned the unity of the Spirit and have allowed division. Jesus said in Mark 3:24, "If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand." When the people set their minds to erect the tower of Babel, the Lord said, "Indeed the people are one, and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them" (Genesis 11:6). In other words, no force can successfully overpower people who have taken a united stand, whether it be in prayer or in carrying out a vision. Nothing can stop them!

God has set a pattern to manifest Himself when we are united and not divided. Psalm 133 says, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing—Life forevermore."

Faith-Filled Confession:

I am a vessel through which God's love is expressed. I will pursue peace with all people and apply the wisdom of God's Word to resolve conflicts. Through my words and deeds, I will create an atmosphere where God's presence can be made manifest and where His blessings can be fully expressed in Jesus' name. Amen.

One-Year Reading Plan: 1 Samuel 17-18; Luke 15:1-10