Jesus prayed that his followers, both those early disciples, and all who would be called in future generations, would be one: one in HIm, one in purpose, one in unity, one in fellowship, one in the gospel, one in spirit, and one in proclaiming God's love to a dying world.
Paul said, 'I have no man like-minded... for all seek their own things, [their own agendas, their own interests, their own platforms, their own 'ministries' and stardom], and not the things of Christ.'
He spoke of young Timothy as being the only one he knew who shared his passion and concerns, his enthusiasm and fire, his readiness to abandon everything for the cause of the gospel, and his committment to working with Paul in complete oneness and joint purpose.
Everyone chases after their own dreams and empires, and I am here referring to ministers as well as church-goers. The race to get money and possessions, to get a name for themselves and a platform to perform on, to get the praise of the congregation and the respect of those around them, outweighs the greater need to work together.
It is a very rare soul who has a straight and singlular heart after the things pertaining to the kingdom of God and the salvation of souls.
Even those who claim to believe that the Lord's return is very close when time shall be no more, and all that we have or possess will be consumed in the flames of the judgment of this world, cannot abandon their comfortable lifestyles, their need to get rich, their aspirations for securing a decent retirment plan, their savings and their assets. They hang on to what they own, and cannot let go of all that they have accumulated and stashed away, in case there is nothing left for them or their 'loved ones' at the end. They rub their hands at all that they have tucked away for a rainy day, and throw a few pennies in the church money box to appease their consciences.
Only the wise will discover the returns and everlasting benefits of investing their time and wealth in what the gospel brings. The carnal man is incapable of perceiving such wisdom and truth. He may have religion, he may go to church, but he knows nothing of the heart of God and stands outside the kingdom, never having come through the door but simply tried to climb up some other way to get in. He has no heart for the cry of the lost, and has no understanding of the inestimable cost of the cross of Christ.
Do we truly believe that time is short and the coming of the Lord is at hand? Are we living for the kingdom of God and the propagation of the gospel, or are we just seeking a comfortable life and lifestyle?
I love the Bible account of David's band of warriors and insignificants who became the finest army on earth because of their committment to him and to his God. They were dissillusioned with the world, distressed with what was happening in their nation, poor and in debt, but ready to join hands and hearts in a singular cause; and work together with one purpose and one mind to do something significant to bring dynamic change to what seemed an impossible situation. (1Samuel 22:1-2)
I have heard stories from no end of 'Christian' people who tell me that they are going to do this or that for the 'glory of God'. They go running here and there and build their platforms and stages to make money, to get their name and face up there in lights: but nothing significant happens. The devil is not bothered by them, heaven is not moved; the only ones admiring them are their happy band of followers hoping that wealth and gain will come their way by following the Pied-Piper piping out his or her songs of wealth, security, and comfort - all in the name of God of course.
I have seen it in a group of African pastors here in London where they follow a man who promises them that God is going to load him with incredible wealth very soon, and they will all get a share if they support his personal agenda and pray for him every Monday night. It will never happen, and they will eventually end up looking back at all the time and effort they wasted on a lie and carnal deception (albeit in the name of Jesus!).
I have seen it in the vain speech of those who said they will support the work of God in a particular place or ministry but then abandon all that they spoke, forget their promises, even denying they ever said anything.
But where is the one who would abandon everything, take up their cross and follow Christ to lose all to gain souls, and seek the praise of Him who says, "Well done thou good and faithful servant"? Where is the one who will join hands with another who wants to declare war on the enemy and bring the power of God's name to a world in distress?
However, hidden away in some valley or insignificant job somewhere, there are His chosen ones whose hearts are impassioned and burdened over the dire condition of this world. They are looking for others with like-minded and enflamed hearts eager and ready to forsake all and follow Christ onto the battlefield, to rescue the lost and dying - the treasure of the cross buried in the sin and darkness of this world, just waiting for someone to come and find them and drag them out of the whirlpool of darkness and a veritable hell.
That is the commission of all those who follow Christ. It is the blazing fire of the church that transforms religion into life and light, that buries the dead formalities and rituals, and storms into the night with the blinding light of the everlasting gospel. Sitting in church sucking baby bottles and having a tea-party is not what the church is meant to be. We were not called to comfort, but to battle, to militancy, to taking the message to this wicked and degenerate society by whatever means we can. For how shall they hear if we do not go and tell them? how shall they believe if they have never heard the truth? how shall anyone go and preach and teach if the churches do not train, equip, and send the people out to do what they are meant to do?
Denominations and church memberships mean absolutely nothing in the kingdom of heaven. The true church of Jesus has no such boundaries or limitations, neither prejudices nor exclusivities. Ressurected dry bones will seek other revived dry bones no matter where they may be. They will come together in this time and shall rise to become the army and battle-cry of the Lord in these dark and miserable days which seeks to blot out any light of hope, and swamp the world in fear and despair.
'Who is on the Lord's side?' Exodus 32:26
