This is Spiritual Work pt. 1

For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 NLT 

Have you noticed how you or others respond when you begin talking about issues related to diversity and belonging? Maybe it’s squirming, eye contact avoidance, or more often immediate defensiveness or aggression.  Honestly, I don’t believe that it's coincidence or fluke that topics surrounding diversity and belonging evoke emotion. There is a spectrum of emotion from condemning and accusatory statements of “You are the problem!” to indifference and dismissive statements of “There is no problem.” 

Unfortunately, in the world today talk about diversity and belonging has become so weaponized that the results have not led to unity but rather disunity…even in the Church.  This is spiritual work and when you feel others are coming against you or the unity of your church or organization, it is important to remember we are not fighting other people. We are in a spiritual battle that requires the unity of believers.

How powerful is it that Jesus prayed in John 17 to the Father asking that we (those who believe in Him) would be one as he and the Father are one (John 17:21).  Jesus also said in his prayer that our (believers) oneness would cause the world to know that He (Jesus) had been sent by the Father and that he (the Father) loved them (John 17:23). This oneness…this unity is more than a pleasant thought or gushy sentimentality. Oneness and unity produce an authority to accomplish something great.

Unity is always good, right?

Let’s look back to ancient times to a significant point in the story of mankind to a building.  Not just any building, but one that has come to be known as the Tower of Babel. This account can be found in Genesis chapter eleven (Genesis 11:1-9). There was one language at this time and men decided to make a name for themselves a city and a tower that would reach up to heaven so they would not be scattered across the earth (Genesis 11:4). The Lord came to observe their work and said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them” (Genesis 11:6). It should be noted here that accomplishing a great feat does not make it a godly one. Whether an accomplishment is holy or unholy, the principle of unity does not change. Much can be accomplished when there is unity. 

Keep and protect unity. 

Fight to keep and protect unity. It’s a value for many churches. It’s a value in my own family.  Why is unity so important and why does it need to be protected? The enemy of our God and our souls knows that if he can interfere with the unity of believers in any of their relationships…familial, business, community, or church, then the efficacy of the work is diminished. The joy of the Lord is decreased in their lives and if he’s really successful, the entire mission of lifting up the name of Jesus is slowed down or stopped altogether.

This is spiritual work, so it stands to reason that when intentional steps are made to recognize and create space for “others” to belong, tension can begin to creep in and the unity be disturbed. This is especially true when we create space across experiences, ability, or appearance that differs from the majority of the people in your church, small group, executive board or neighborhood. It is tempting to believe that because tension is present, the steps taken to create belonging or recognize diversity should be reversed. When that temptation comes, we urge you to pause and consider the source of the thought? Think about the purpose of pursuing understanding diversity and creating a place of belonging for those in your community. 

How can unity be protected? 

Remember, the battles you are facing are not against any person or ideology. If there is misunderstanding, maintain a posture of humility and seek to be authentically curious. If you just don’t agree with or understand things that are being said, asking questions and maintain a posture of humility is going to benefit you and the person you are connecting with. Humility allows you to slow down, anchor in God’s word, and respond softly and diffuse anger behind the the verbal or written challenges.

When you lead your church, ministry, or team to be intentional about diversity and belonging, you will face opposition because that type of unity produces a power and authority that pushes back and defeats the schemes of the enemy. In the next blog, we will continue to look at the significance of diversity and belonging and the impact unity has in reaching people for Jesus.