This year we plan to focus on our UNITY. The fact is a lack of unity is a big way the enemy uses to destroy the Church. He knows that if he can get us being independent or distant from each other we become unproductive or ineffective in fulfilling our mission to reach Pakenham for Christ. Because we are human it is easy for us to break down our unity. Focusing on our preferences, reacting to how we are being treated, or comparing our ministry with others can easily lead to wrong attitudes, resentment, and division. The Apostle Paul knew this very well and addressed it many times in his letters to the Churches.

One example is in his letter to the Ephesians; As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit– just as you were called to one hope when you were called–one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Eph 4:1-6)

Consider these five ways to build and keep unity.

1. PRIORITISE UNITY
We as a community need to agree that unity is vital. To affirm Paul’s teaching that Jesus is working to prepare us all “for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Eph 4:12) A body of saved sinners, united in faith and in the knowledge of Jesus cannot be divided or stopped. It is the most powerful witness that Jesus is real and really at work in Pakenham.

2. EXAMINE OURSELVES
In prayer we must always be thoroughly examining ourselves. To allow ourselves to be God’s workmanship, being recreated to do the good works He has prepared for us to do. And understand that He uses others to shape us to be more like Jesus. How others relate to us, speak to us, even annoy us, can teach us so much about who we are and what issues we need God to work on.

3. PRAY FOR UNITY
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16). Praying for others is the best way to open our hearts toward God and each other. Knowing the wonderous Grace God has shown us in Christ enables us to grow in the Grace of God and extend grace to each other.

4. WORK AT SPIRITUAL BODY BUILDING
We must learn that unity is not uniformity or conformity. It is not agreeing on everything. It is where individuals from all walks of life change their focus from self to God, allowing Him to knit them together so we can do our part to glorify Him and be used to build His Kingdom. The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. (1 Cor 12:12)

5. WORK ON COMMUNICATION
Misunderstandings, offense, bitterness, and unresolved conflict destroy unity in no time. James commands us to be quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19). Choosing to listen well means to value each other, to be interested, to ask heart-level questions, and listen carefully not just to their words but to the heart behind them. To speak words that build up. Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbour, for we are all members of one body. (Eph 4:25)