What steps can we take to promote unity in our church today? Setting the Scene “Now a worthless man named Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite, happened to be there. And he sounded the horn and proclaimed: ‘We have no share in David, no inheritance in Jesse’s son. Every man to his own tent, O Israel!’” (2 Samuel 20:1) Sheba’s cry fractured the nation in an instant. By rejecting David—the king appointed by God—he sparked a revolt that threatened Israel’s stability. His story reminds us how quickly disunity spreads when hearts drift from God’s chosen leadership and shared identity. Recognizing Seeds of Division • A dismissive attitude toward God-given authority • A spirit that exalts tribe or preference over covenant family • Words that rally people around grievances instead of grace • An invitation to retreat to “our own tents” rather than remain together Knowing these danger signs, Scripture points us toward proactive steps that protect the fellowship Christ purchased for His church. Step 1: Center on Our King • Israel fractured when Sheba said, “We have no share in David.” Unity returns when we confess, “We have every share in Jesus.” • Colossians 1:18: “He is the head of the body, the church.” • Keep preaching, singing, celebrating the gospel so that Christ—not personalities or programs—remains the gathering point. Step 2: Cherish Our Shared Identity • 1 Peter 2:9 calls us “a chosen people.” Remembering we belong to God and to one another undercuts factional thinking. • Psalm 133:1 celebrates “brothers living together in harmony.” Regularly testify to stories of God’s work across age, ethnicity, and background to reinforce family bonds. Step 3: Guard Our Speech • Sheba’s trumpet and words ignited mutiny. We can ignite unity with words that heal. • Ephesians 4:29: “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up…” • Practical habits: – Pause and pray before posting or texting. – Replace rumors with verification. – Speak encouragement publicly; address concerns privately. Step 4: Pursue Reconciliation Quickly • David promptly sought to quench the rebellion (2 Samuel 20:4–7). Delayed action allows division to harden. • Matthew 5:23-24 urges speedy reconciliation. • Simple pattern: 1. Go—initiate contact. 2. Own—confess your part. 3. Listen—seek to understand. 4. Restore—agree on a way forward. Step 5: Celebrate Interdependence • Romans 12:5: “We, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” • Highlight team ministry rather than superstar ministry; rotate leadership opportunities; pair younger believers with seasoned saints. Step 6: Prioritize Prayer and the Word • Acts 6:4 shows the early church devoting itself to “prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Spiritual unity is forged on our knees and by renewed minds. • Corporate rhythms: – Weekly gatherings saturated with Scripture reading. – Small-group prayer nights focused on church needs. – Fasting days when contentious issues arise. Living It Out Together Unity is not a slogan; it is a shared commitment to keep Christ at the center, treasure one another, speak grace, mend fences swiftly, depend on each other’s gifts, and bathe it all in prayerful reliance on God’s Word. When we walk these steps, we silence the modern echoes of Sheba’s trumpet and display to a watching world the beauty of God’s reconciled people. |
    |