“If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassions, make full my joy, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind;” (Philippians 2:1–2, ASV)
Unity in any endeavor is vital. On occasion you will see a professional ball team that has one or two superstars. On paper they would seem destined for the championship. There is another team in the league that has no superstars. They are underrated by the experts. At the championships you are surprised that the underrated team is in contention while the team with the superstars is not.
Why might this be the case? It has to do with unity. One team is not united and the other is. A team of good players that works together in many cases will outperform a team where there are a few glory seekers who are out only for their own fame. Unity makes the difference.
Here Paul makes this case for the church at Philippi. He gives four essential virtues of unity in the Christ anointed church. He indicated that If the church has the heart of a genuine calling of Christ, the influence of His love, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, and the manifestation of deep compassion, then they must allow these virtues to be manifested towards one another. This is the sign of unity that will characterize a healthy church.
Paul indicated that the manifestation of these virtues would bring him complete joy. As I have pastored churches, I can attest to the joy that unity and harmony brings to a church leader when the parishioners are of the same heart and mind. The church that is united will accomplish great things in the kingdom.
Unfortunately, I have observed too many churches and weeping pastors where unity was not evident. The symptoms of this are many. It is seen in disagreements, conflicts, incessant complaining, rebellion, and etcetera. I know of churches that have even entered verbal and physical brawls over disputes.
Who gets the glory for this type of disunity? It is not the Lord. May I say this? The force behind disunity in the church is not from above. It is earthly and demonic. Our adversary knows that the divided church is a weak church.
Let us guard ourselves and our churches from disunity. Let us unite in heart and mind. Let us consider the virtues of Christ in every action in our churches. Let us make every effort to maintain “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3, ASV)
Renewing the Heart 