the unity of the family

Most of us know the difference between a family that is united and a family that is separated by strife.  When a family is united, it is because the members genuinely love each other as demonstrated by the parents.  If a family is divided, it’s usually caused by greed, someone wants more than what they are entitled to.
 
Psalm 133:1 Behold how good and pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity.
 
I am talking about two different families here, the natural family and the church family.  The principles that unite and those that divide apply to both families the same.  The leadership of a family has
everything to do with the stability of a family.  If a leader has his favorites, he will open the door to strife and wounds.  If a leader loves everyone equally and instills this precept in all the members, behold how pleasant it will be in that house.  Peace or strife are not an accident, it comes from the top down.  I grew up in a family that was always in strife because my dad played his favorites, but the Lord brought unity before he died.
 
Ephesians 4:11-13 God gave some Apostles, Prophets,  Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers for the maturing of the saints (family of God).  Until we all come in the unity of the faith and knowledge of the Son of God.

If we will listen to the Word and be doers of it, we will be in unity with one another.  God is not a respecter of persons, He does not play favorites, He loves us just as much as He loves Jesus.  When there is unity in a church family, it is because they listened to the five fold ministries the Lord sent to edify them.  When there is strife in a church family, it is because someone disregarded what the Lord’s minister said to them.
 
God ministers unity, religion brings strife.
 
Christianity pleases God, religion satisfies the lusts of men.  The only way religion can unify is for all the participants to all have the same lust, they will never know the presence of God.
 
Proverbs 6:16,19 These six things does the Lord hate: yes, seven are an abomination unto Him. A false witness that spreads lies, and he that sows discord among the brethren.
 
When a family member begins to publish lies about other family members for whatever reason, God says it’s disgusting.  I don’t think it will be beneficial for any of us to do something God hates.  Here is God’s plan His way, He speaks His Word which is His will.  If you believe it and accept it we will be unified.
 
Romans 16:17-18 Brethren mark them which cause divisions contrary to the Word and avoid them.  They do not serve the Lord Jesus but the lusts of their own belly.
 
We cannot come into unity with every person, there are some who do not accept the Word of the Christ.  This is not an invitation to have strife but rather to stop from attempting something that can’t work.  We are called to live peaceably with all men as is possible. 

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