Healthy congregations are congregations where the ‘greatest’ and the ‘least’ are not only welcome, but are expected to work together as equals.
It is in these congregations that God is truly at work. No one is spoken down to, and no one is resented for their perceived advantages. Each is given talents by the Lord, and each is expected to use them according to their ability (Matthew 25:15).
The only way to maintain such a unity of spirit, is to know nothing among ourselves “but Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). It is by keeping the message and mission of the cross at the forefront of our faith and practice that binds us together.
The things that destroy a congregation do not hold themselves at bay. We must watch for those jealousies that spread from one member to another like cancer. It is through a myriad of petty envies that Satan takes his opportunity to cut off the flow of love from one heart to another.
A spirit of unity is hard fought for. Outside influences are ever ready to move in and tear apart the household of God. When false teachers vie for control and malcontents seek an audience, the congregation must collectively admit to the evil within and remove it—always seeking repentance and always speaking the truth in love.
Being united in spirit is impossible without being united in the teachings of The Holy Spirit. When attacking evil and fighting for good we must all wield the same Sword of the Spirit in the same way.
“Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose” (Philippians 2:2).
John Staiger
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