A healthy church will unite under God’s call to expand the Kingdom as Jesus called His disciples to do. If this is not the peace-bringing, mind-settling desire which brings unifying action to your congregation, then the expectation for quiet should be petrifying if growth arrives.
In Zechariah 11, the first rod that was broken was “favor.” God’s favor is lost by rebellious disobedience to His precepts or commands. The triune strand of evangelism, discipleship, and shepherding can tie any church to the anchor of His favor. If the church neglects any one of these, the rope is weakened and cannot be depended on because of willfully sinning. When the storms of life hit this ship of faith, doubt may set in, and where there is doubt, there is sin, which does not merit God’s favor. If you lose favor with God as a group due to neglect of His commands, causing the rope to break, unity will be the next to falter. A repair of any of these frayed strands will once again secure your ship, enabling it to doubtlessly weather life’s storms. All waves of life may not be calmed, but peace can be found in a well-secured vessel in Christ. Therefore, the three-fold cord does not hold us back but holds us firm; nor does it bind our hands but binds us together.
So, is there disunity in your church? It would be wise to search for who is out of God’s favor with any church showing signs of disunity. Consequently, if your Church is not seeking and saving lost souls through the Holy Spirit’s power, what does 1 John 3:8 mean to you? While fear of the world will restrain us, it also won’t bind us to the anchor of hope. Since the only middle ground is the spiritual battle for souls, if we don’t fight this battle, we are giving the prowling enemy freedom in our territory.
Reflections on Unify or Petrify
Is you church healthy? Why or why not?
Is there disunity in your church family? If so, why is there disunity?
Are you anchored to God’s favor?
What are you afraid of as you consider boldly serving the Lord?
Author: Wilf Scheuermann, excerpt from the transcript God’s Grade ©2015, Revisions ©2025; Photo by Teresa & Luis: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-of-breaking-cord-17212253/