DISUNITY HINDERS PROSPERITY
Rev.Michael Benson Ajayi
The aforementioned scripture shows how important the lord considers the importance of families living in unity and harmony.Forgiveness is a sine qua non for a healthy spiritual growth. Offerings are no substitute for forgiveness, it is for this reason that Jesus prayed for the forgiveness of those who crucified him (luke23:34) , it is as a result of that prayer that humanity now enjoys God’s grace.Stephen also prayed for the forgiveness of those behind his death ,the scriptures says in Acts 7:60 "And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." This prayer was to ensure that the unity between humanity and divinity is sustained. Unity with God is of more value than self glorification that would have been attained should God had taken vengeance on his behalf. This is unlike what is witnessed among some Christians who engage in so-called 'dangerous prayers and fasting ' against their fellow brethren.
Our individual prosperity is connected to our collective prosperity therefore aspiring to be the only successful member of a family or community is an exercise in futility ,Joseph could not attain his fullness as a leader in Egypt until he was reunited with his family. The Egyptians showed him more honor when he was with his family than when he was alone(Gen.46,Gen48)Dis- functionality in a family leads to identity crisis among members especially the young ones, this is evident in the kind of meaningless names they give themselves ; such names are often a reflection of the pain associated with a disconnected soul. That's why great political dynasties would do anything to maintain the unity of their families. Leaders with a strong family background tend to outlast those without a family identity. The strength from the emotional support system derivable from a strong family bond cannot be overemphasized.
It is for this reason that the genealogy of the greatest leader that ever walked the earth :Jesus , was well documented (luke3:23-38) as proof that the healing of the family units is paramount in God’s agenda as a panacea to healing the nations of the earth from the awful effect of sin.
There are six things they lord hates and one of them is the sowing of the seed of discord among members of the same family (Proverbs.6:16,19),this gives room for the operation of demonic activities (James3 :16) families and a communities in discord are a fertile ground for the proliferation of false prophets whose visions are centered on nothing else but witches and wizards,they never teach on family love as commanded by Jesus ( John 13:34-35) .Disunity destroys God’s work (Matt. 12:25) it leads to cultism and man-worship (1cor.3:3,4
Disunity in families and communities originate from not being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading (1Cor.3:3,Gal.5:19-21) hatred for family members (Proverbs.10:12) pride and lust of life (pro13:10,James 4:1-3) considering oneself as favorite and treating close family members with partiality and favouritism (Acts6:1) other causes of disunity include repeating past painful events (prov. 17:9) gossips ( prov.26:20) arguing over inconsequential matters ( 1tim.6:3-5) self exaltation and desire for prominence (3john 9-11) envying ( Rom. 13:13) transferred aggression and bitterness from a failed project( Hebrews.12:15,prov.29:22,15:18) and a desire to always argue about everything (prov.20:3)
When we view issues from a singular perspective , strife and disunity seizes. Therefore, we should make the word of God the standard upon which all decisions are made. Once there is a scriptural backing to any decision, we should set aside any contrary view and align with the scriptural viewpoint. This way, we would always be like-minded (1cor.1:10,Phil.2:2)
Everyone deserves to be treated with respect in a family or community, no view therefore should be treated with levity or disdain, the minority reports in any family or community forms the bases upon which wholistic development can be attained . They are like the tributaries that make up a river therefore they shouldn't be neglected. The scriptures says in Romans 12:9-10 MSG "Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle." it is the unnecessary desire by the 'haves' to be worshiped by the 'have nots' that leads to crisis in families and communities. Everybody has something meaningful to offer in a family or community ( Ephesians.4:16,1Cor12:25-26) .
The weak members of the family of community must be accorded more recognition and privileges than the strong (Rom14:1) with respect for the elderly ( 1tim 5:1) We should avoid offending each other (1cor.10:32,33) this is easily done when we have forgiven past offenses and reconciled (Matt. 5:23-24) and have taken control over anger, this puts us in a better condition to communicate rationally and in moderation (prov.14:29,15:18,James 1:19) .
Chronic cases of disunity may require the intervention from a pastor (Acts15:2,7,12,Gal.6:1) and those guilty of causing strife reprimanded 1Thes.5:14 and the unrepentant ones excommunicated (prov.22:10,matt.18:15-17,1cor.5:11-13) but should not be treated as enemies (2thes.3:14,15) and room be made to restore the repentant ones to the fellowship of the family of God’s people .
As you read this now receive grace to break every circle of disunity in your family in Jesus name.
Prayer / counseling +2348098536911, +2348035536911 Email :Michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
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