Pastoral Messages by Matriarch Elnette Edwards
Beloved children,
Jesus prayed that we would be one, just as He and the Father are one. Unity wasn't a suggestion—it was His heart's desire for His church. Yet unity is one of the most elusive qualities in the body of Christ. We divide over doctrine, preferences, leadership styles, and personalities. We major on minors and split over issues that eternity will prove insignificant.
Unity doesn't mean uniformity. We don't all have to think alike, worship alike, or minister alike. Unity is possible despite diversity because it's rooted in something deeper than preferences—it's rooted in our shared identity in Christ, our common mission, and our mutual love.
I've pastored long enough to know that unity is hard work. It requires humility—being willing to prefer others above ourselves. It requires patience—giving grace when people irritate us. It requires forgiveness—refusing to hold grudges. It requires commitment—staying when it would be easier to leave. It requires sacrifice—sometimes giving up our preferences for the good of the whole.
The enemy loves division. He knows that a divided church is a powerless church. Jesus said a house divided against itself cannot stand. So the enemy sows seeds of discord, magnifies offenses, promotes gossip, and exploits differences. He whispers, "They don't appreciate you. You'd be better off somewhere else. You deserve better treatment." And when we listen to those whispers, we walk away from relationships God intended to refine us.
I've watched churches split over carpet color, worship styles, and leadership decisions. I've seen families torn apart over inheritances and misunderstandings. I've witnessed ministry teams implode over petty disagreements. And in every case, the enemy won—not because the issues were significant, but because unity wasn't valued enough to fight for.
Unity requires us to handle conflict biblically. When offended, we go directly to the person—not to everyone else first. We speak truth in love. We listen to understand, not just to respond. We assume the best about others' motives. We extend grace as we've received grace. We pursue peace actively, not passively.
Unity also means celebrating diversity. In a body, every part is different, yet all parts work together. The eye doesn't criticize the hand for not seeing. The ear doesn't condemn the foot for not hearing. Each part functions according to its design, and the body thrives because of this diversity. So it should be in the church—different gifts, different roles, different expressions, all working together for one purpose.
I'm not naive—some divisions are necessary. When false doctrine threatens truth, when abuse occurs, when sin goes unaddressed, separation may be needed. But those situations are rare. Most divisions happen over preferences, personalities, and pride—things that shouldn't divide us.
Paul begged the Corinthian church to stop their divisions and be united in mind and judgment. He didn't say they had to agree on everything, but they needed to pursue unity intentionally. That's still our call today—to pursue, protect, and prioritize unity because it demonstrates to the watching world that we truly belong to Christ.
What relationships need reconciliation in your life? Where have you allowed division to persist? What grudge are you holding that's preventing unity? Today, take the first step toward reconciliation. Reach out. Apologize. Forgive. Pursue peace. Unity is worth fighting for.
United in Him,
Matriarch Elnette Edwards
Comments
Post a Comment