Christians must understand the importance of unity and act together as one. The scripture admonished us to shun segregation, and avoid unhealthy rivalry which is detrimental to the propagation of the gospel. No Christian sect should assume superiority over others; rather, we should serve God with a humble spirit and consider others to be more important. The scripture emphasized,
“He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s” (Romans 14:6-8).
Lesson:
Unity will promote Christianity, but disunity will halt its expansion. Unfortunately, Satan has tricked Christians to arrogantly compete with each other; Factions claim rivalry and pursue mundane things that contribute little or nothing to God’s kingdom. Meanwhile, God expects his children to serve him with the purity and liberty of the spirit – without entertaining hot argument and rat races. According to Romans 14:6-8, God allows true worship with the liberty of the spirit. If a person is adept in Mosaic Laws to only worship God on Saturday, let him do so! If he refuses to eat pork, do not dishonor him! Also, a vegetarian who believes in eating vegetables in conjunction with his Christian services has not sinned! Meanwhile, God did not state that human tradition will lead to our salvation – they are relevant to this earth only! Salvation offer of Jesus Christ is the only God-approved passage that leads to heaven. Anyone who believes in Jesus Christ will be saved – irrespective of his/her culture and background. Christians should serve God humbly, plainly, and truthfully – and avoid all forms of self-righteousness that can affect gospel expansion.
Prayer:
Dear God, please save the Christian community from the plague of disunity. Let brethren stop condemning one another, but let us focus on gospel expansion. Let Christian denominations be tolerant and work in unity so that anti-gospel forces can be subdued. Let the church invest their resources and energy in activities that can motivate unbelievers to repent and convert to Christianity. Please strengthen the body of Christ throughout the world to pursue righteousness so that your name can be praised in the land of the living. For in the name of Jesus Christ I make my requests. Amen.