CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 951

“Unity of Heart”

The hand of God was also on Judah to give them one heart to do what the king and the princes commanded by the word of the Lord. (2 Chronicles 30:12)

In my management career I have had numerous assignments to help correct dysfunctional work teams and business units with my most recent assignment coming a few weeks ago.

As I sought the Lord’s direction (He has a way of placing me in work assignments that keep me on my knees) He made it clear to me that the root cause of such dysfunction is the same as the cause of strife in marriages, church boards and congregations, communities and political parties. Wherever two or more people are ‘yoked’ together in some context dysfunction can arise.

The root of dysfunction is a lack of unity of heart, mind, and purpose. Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; (Proverbs 29:18, ASV)

There should be no room for such disunity in Christian marriages, church bodies, and leadership boards where the servant leadership example established by Jesus should be followed. So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant… (Philippians 2:1-7)

In secular and Christian contexts alike it behooves the leadership to establish and continually communicate a clear, motivating vision, mission and purpose for the organization. Guiding principles should be collaboratively created, communicated and people held accountable for adhering to them. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! (Psalm 133:1)

It may seem strange to discuss this at first but husbands and wives should also be of one mind and heart – united toward a shared vision for their family and united in the path to take toward common goals and objectives. House rules are guiding principles that maintain harmony in the home. Again, the servant example of Jesus is key. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her… (Ephesians 5:25)

How many children has Satan bruised or conquered by dividing a marriage? How much money, time, and resources are wasted due to conflict and division within your organization or company? How many people have had their faith shaken because of disunity that divided a church congregation? …He said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. (Matthew 12:25)

May the Holy Spirit give you the gifts of discernment, knowledge and wisdom to build unity of mind, heart, and purpose among those you serve. May you have the mind of Christ Jesus creating a servant’s heart within you to be a catalyst for peace and unity in your home, work, church, and community.