I. Without Harmony Only Discord Can Result

A. Harmony & Unity Defined

1. Unity = singularity in congregational purposes and goals
a. (Jn. 17:21), “I pray that they may all be one; even as You are in Me and I in You, that they may be one in us, that the world may believe that You have sent Me.”
b. (I Cor. 1:10), “Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus, that you all agree, and there be no divisions among you, but you be made complete in the same mind and in the same j.”
c. Thus, unity is observed when the members accept and are involved in the congregation’s life!

2. Harmony = Unity + acceptable differences being allowed in areas of opinion
a. (Rom. 14:1, 13), “Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions … Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this – not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.”
b. (Rom. 15:1, 7), “Now we who are strong ought to bear with the weaknesses of those without strength and not just to please ourselves … Wherefore accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.”

3. Therefore, not only are God’s people called to be unified in our purpose and our goals – we are also called to live in harmony with each other – in areas of opinion where we may differ!!!

B. The Danger of Division & Divisiveness

1. Division keeps people from accomplishing goals
a. God kept people from their goal – by dividing them at Babel – (Gen. 11:6-8), “The Lord said, ‘Behold, they are one people & they all have the same language. This is what they began to do & now nothing which they purpose to do will be impossible for them. – Come let Us go down & there confuse their language that they may not understand each other’s speech’ – So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of the whole earth; and they stopped building the city.”
b. But unity will be the means by which great things are accomplished – (Neh. 4:6), “So we built the wall and the whole wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.”

2. Admonitions (warnings) against division:
a. (Pro. 6:16-19), “There are six things the Lord HATES, yes, seven which are an ABOMINATION to Him … one who spreads strife among brothers.”
b. (Lk. 11:17), “Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waster; a house divided against itself falls
c. (Gal. 5:15), “If you bite and devour one another, take care lest you be consumed by one another.”
d. (Gal. 5:19-21), “Now the deeds of the flesh are evident: … disputes, dissensions, factions … those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
e. Therefore, let us shun division – as that which is one of Satan’s greatest tools!!!

C. Threats to Harmony

1. False Teaching/Teachers
a. (Acts 20:28-30), “Be on guard for yourselves …I know that after my departure, salvage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.”
b. (Jude 4, 16, 19), “…certain persons have crept in unnoticed …These are grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts; they speak arrogantly, flattering people for the sake of gaining an advantage … These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly minded, devoid of the Spirit.”
c. Having been warned, the church is called to vigilance – (I Jn. 4:1; Rev. 2:2), “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world … I know your deeds & your toil & your perseverance, and that you cannot endure evil men, and you put to the test those who called themselves apostles….”

2. Constant Criticism
a. (Jms. 3:5), “The tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts great things. – Behold, how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire.”
b. (Pro. 21:9), “It is better to live in a corner of the roof, than in a house shared w/a contentious w.
c. There are those who think they have been assigned to be your personal Holy Spirit. – A diet of unending criticism can wear down the strongest person. – Be aware of our own critical spirit!

3. Uncontrolled Ego
a. EGO = Edging God Out! – The #1 cause of division in the Lord’s church today = PRIDE!
b. When ministry (recognized/personal) becomes our vehicle to gain recognition – then Jesus has been replaced as Lord – (Matt. 5:16; 6:1; Col. 3:17) “Let your light shine … Whatever you do…”
c. It is still true – Pro. 16:18; I Cor. 10:12, “Pride goes before … Let him who thinks he stands….”

D. Steps to Harmony

1. Humility: (Matt. 5:3; I Pt. 5:5-6), “Blessed … all of you clothe yourselves in humility towards one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. – Humble yourselves….”
2. Flexibility: “Blessed are the flexible – for they won’t get bent out of shape!” – remember 7 pall-bearer
3. Develop a sense of humor: (Besides yes dear, it is the most important thing to have to keep a marriage
a. (Pro. 17:22), “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up bones.”
4. Respect God’s Leaders: (Heb. 13:17), “Obey your leaders and submit to them; for they keep watch…
5. Avoid controversy if possible: (Tit. 3:9), “Avoid foolish controversies … unprofitable & worthless.”
6. Confront divisive people when necessary: (Tit. 3:10-11).
7. Practice Servanthood: (Matt. 20:24-28), “The 10 became indignant with the 2. – But Jesus called them to Himself, and said, ‘You know the rulers of the Gentiles … but to serve and to give His life….”

A question we need to ask ourselves, “So … to what extent am I contributing to making this a healthy church?”

If there is anything anyone here would like to bring before God … !