In this season of foundation, order and alignment where we are transitioning from purpose into destiny and in this season where we are about to tangibly crossover into our promise both individually and corporately. A season where we must remain fortified and guarded and prepared for the battle, I believe there is much the body of Christ can learn as it pertains to unity from our men and women who serve and protect us, and our country (territory).
Recognizing that open doors bring opposition and that there will be some type of battle before occupying there is the realization that the only way to possess corporately is to unite together. After all, united we stand, divided we fall. Now, I understand that our battle is not with tangible enemies (Ephesians 6:12) as it is with our soldiers, but we are still in a battle and the tactics and mindset of our soldiers should be looked at and applied, especially as it pertains to their sense of brother/sisterhood and family that is not only seen and felt by others, but walked out by their actions toward one another to watch each others back and to not only complete their mission (assignment) but to ensure within their powers and/or abilities to have every man/woman return home and accounted for.
It pains my heart to see constant offense and strife within the very place that should exemplify this type of brother/sister hood and family bond. It boggles my mind how these things can occur and dwell in places that are supposed to breathe grace, love, compassion, edification and unity. It seems we do the opposite, and more so within the remnant, which really should be the strength and core of our foundation, even if it is not seen by the masses. More concerned with and focused on self-gain, who people are talking to, where people are seated, who is being used and who holds what title and or position instead of the assignment and/or vision at hand. More concerned with playing God rather than choosing to be like God (His nature, character and authority). Selah. God is everywhere and sees all. He will ensure that what is needed for the assignment and/or vision to succeed is provided. In the same, He will ensure that what is hindering the assignment and/or vision is removed. We often speak about how we are to steward the things of God but we must realize that in stewarding the things of God this also includes how we steward His children and the gifts and Anointing that are given to us and are before us. I often wonder how can we be trusted with the world, to reach the world, when we can’t even be trusted with one another?
While it is understood, that even among our soldiers there may be some jealousy if one gets a position of leadership before another, or maybe some other challenge among one another, it is also understood, especially for those called to the front lines, that when it is time to go forth, every attitude, emotion, etc., anything that could possibly assist in aborting the mission (assignment) is pushed to the back burner so to speak, because the focus must be staying alive, and again, not just for self but for those connected to them both on the field and back at safety. One veteran I threw out some questions to, said it best, “We had an enemy to fight, so we couldn’t be fighting each other.”
Maybe what might help us is to realize that just as in the military everyone serves a purpose so is the case within the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:1-27 teaches us this very thing and the importance of ALL members of the body and their functions. In speaking with this veteran it was interesting to see that because he was on the front line he esteemed the people back on base as essential because that's where he and those with him would get their food and ammo. Too often, I believe, that within the body and probably society as a whole, we tend to base someone’s importance based off their title or position. We base how we treat others based off their status, title, wallet, influence or celebrity-ism. Call me off, but as a general in the Kingdom, while of course provision and opportunities are welcomed and appreciated, more important to me would be that I have people committed to going before the Lord for me in prayer. Please know, whether your position is one that is seen or not they are all just as important for within the body they all go hand in hand. One position cannot function without the other. If they attempt to do so it will lead to a breakdown in the operation. And that goes for any ministry, business, relationship, etc.
I believe that unity is one of the main ingredients needed in the foundation that we as a body are now building, along with grace and the fruits of the Spirit as mentioned in Galatians 5:22. I believe that if we make a conscious choice from here on out to do as our soldiers do when heading to the front line and place every attitude, emotion, etc., anything that could possibly assist in aborting the assignment and/or vision on the back burner and begin to walk in the above mentioned that we will begin to see the cracks of our current foundation sealed up and thereby no longer leaving room for the enemy or enemies to seep in and out of what we have been called to build and do. Our focus, in this season, must be our assignment and/or vision and corporately it can only be accomplished as we stand together, one for another, trusting that as we do, God will be faithful to us to do what He has promised.
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PS: Thanks to my old high school classmate Mike for allowing me to throw out some questions his way before writing this piece.
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