The Great Commission cannot be accomplished alone. I can still hear the former National Representative for the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches, John Greening, saying, “together we can accomplish more.” God has ordained that the church work together to accomplish His purposes. Working together means more than laboring in the same mission, it includes being unified in the work of proclaiming the gospel and making disciples.
Disharmony or disunity in our church can hinder the work of God in our community. We must not only proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, but live lives that are worthy of that gospel (Phi.1:27-2:4). According to this passage of scripture, that includes striving together with one mind or in unity for the faith of the gospel. Our message might fall on deaf ears if there are schisms and divisions in the church. People may hear the gospel of Christ’s love through our ministry, but may in part become convinced of its truth because they observe our love for one another. In fact, Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Our unity will have an impact on those in our community. Again Jesus said in prayer to His Father, “I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me” (John 17:23).