Nurturing Spiritual Growth and Unity

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with a team.“

_{Navy Seal instructor}

In a world often focused on individual accomplishments and personal success, unity and spiritual growth can sometimes take a back seat. However, the Scriptures remind us that actual progress and lasting impact are achieved when we come together as a community united in faith. This blog delves into the importance of nurturing spiritual growth and unity within the body of Christ, exploring the damaging effects of strife and divisions while highlighting the transformative power of agreement and the fruits of the Spirit.

It reminds me of a vision the Lord gave me, one of a watering hole in an African Safari. I have seen this in the past and can often be experienced whereby you will witness all types of animals drinking from the same source. Animals include giraffes, Bucks, Wildebeest, Zebra, hyenas, and even lions. The significance is that some of these are prey to others. The significance is that when they are all focused on satisfying their thirst and drinking the water, they tend to forget about each other for the moment because they are satisfied by the water they drink. 

What the Lord said to me was, “When my people, take their eyes off their differences, differences of Doctrine, denominational streams, cultural backgrounds and even “their own ministries”, and when they develop such a thirst for my presence, my word and my Glory, and come to Me like a deer that thirst, they will be so satisfied, there will be no room for division in my body, only Unity.” 

It’s in the place of Unity that an accelerated outpouring of that latter rain can be brought forward by the Body of Christ. 

Where there is Unity, God commands and releases His Blessing, which is the oil of Joy, 

the Holy Spirit’s oil of revival, deliverance, breakthroughs, freedom, and prosperity.

Avoid Strife – Carnal Man

In his first letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul addresses the issue of carnality and divisions within the church. 

“And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal,  as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?“

1 Corinthians 3:1-9 NKJV

He highlights the difference between spiritual maturity and immaturity, drawing attention to the destructive nature of envy, strife, and divisions among believers. When we engage in such behaviour, it’s clear that we are not aligning with the principles of the Kingdom of God but are instead guided by human pride and passions.

In Hebrews, the author further emphasises the need for growth beyond spiritual infancy, comparing faith basics to milk and encouraging believers to move on to solid food. This passage reminds us that our goal is to mature in our faith, exercising our spiritual senses to discern good from evil.

“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.“

Hebrews 5:12-14 NKJV

Destructive Behavior – Strife and Divisions

Strife refers to heated conflicts and quarrels, often stemming from differing opinions and conflicting goals. This tension and hostility can lead to damaged relationships, decreased productivity, and even physical violence. On the other hand, divisions or discord occur when there is a lack of harmony or agreement among individuals or groups. This can result from misunderstandings, personality clashes, and cultural differences, leading to decreased morale, increased stress, and a general sense of unease.

Consequences of Strife and Divisions

The consequences of strife and divisions are far-reaching and detrimental. Such behaviours invite demonic, confusion, and evil work. The Bible tells us that God is not the author of confusion but peace. Divisions, like a house divided against itself, lead to desolation and instability, causing harm rather than fostering growth.

“For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” James 3:16

One Sow, One Waters

The apostle Paul’s analogy of one planting and another watering emphasizes the unity of purpose among believers. Regardless of individual roles or contributions, God brings the increase. By understanding that growth comes from God, we can move away from strife, divisions, and competing against one another. 

” I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” 1 Corinthians 3:6 

“We are not called to contend with one another but complete one another.” Shaun Smit

Love One Another – Walk in the Spirit

As outlined in Galatians 5:22-26, the fruit of the Spirit reflects the characteristics of a mature believer walking in unity and spiritual growth. These qualities include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. By walking in the Spirit, we cultivate these attributes and contribute to the unity of the body of Christ. This unity is not achieved through contention or self-centeredness but through humility and a genuine concern for one another.

Unity God Commands the Blessing

Psalm 133 beautifully illustrates the goodness and pleasantness of dwelling together in unity. Just as the precious oil consecrated Aaron, unity blesses the body of Christ. It’s a powerful force that brings blessings, healing, restoration, and life everlasting. When we prioritise unity, God commands His blessings to flow among us.

In a world filled with division and discord, the call to nurture spiritual growth and unity is more relevant than ever. Striving for unity means embracing diversity, celebrating our differences, and walking in the fruits of the Spirit. As we come together in faith, let us remember the words of the navy seal instructor: “If you want to go far, go with a team.” Together, we can achieve spiritual growth, impact lives, and experience the blessings of God that flow from unity. T.E.A.M stands for, Together, Everyone, Achieves, More. We are one body, of the same Spirit serving the same Lord.