The US Factor: What Makes Agreement So Powerful
Biblical agreement within the body of Christ promotes unity and serves to advance the Kingdom of God here on earth. A biblical agreement builds upon the truths in the word of God. It is not manipulating the will of others to get them to agree with your point of view. According to the Concise Oxford English Dictionary, the word agreement means "harmony of opinions and feelings." The keyword in this definition is "harmony." Harmony is synonymous with unity and order. When there is chaos, and division harmony cannot exist. Unity is connected to the love of God that strengthens the church. Quarreling and vain theories are counterproductive and do not edify. 1 Timothy 1:3-7 reads this:
"As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.” (ESV)
Paul here is addressing Timothy to deal with the false teachers that emerged in Ephesus. Paul reminds Timothy that their goal is love that flows from a pure heart and a good conscience, and a sincere faith. Paul's exhortation applies to the church today. When we get away from the goal and infuse our agenda in the gospel message intended for salvation, we run the risk of pointing people in the direction of men and not to God. Believers are the conduits that Christ uses to reveal the gospel to them that would believe and be saved.
Biblical agreement within the body of Christ promotes unity and serves to advance the Kingdom of God here on earth.
This is why Christ prayed for his disciples in John 17 so that they may continue in the work of Jesus Christ, reflecting his glory as his representatives on earth. When the church cannot agree with who Christ is, they are reflective of the world who also could not recognize him though he walked among them.
Jesus builds His church on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Their revelation of Christ is revealed in the New Testament. He has made the church overcomers of evil forces. He grants equal access to the kingdom to believers. (Matthew 16:13-20)
In Christ, we are joined together by the Holy Spirit; our differences are overshadowed by our kindred faith. Jesus died on the cross to make us one body, crushing sin in the flesh, raising us in his righteousness to be seated together with Him in heavenly places. Divisive speech among believers, displayed before the world, is a misrepresentation of God and taints our witness. God did not allow Moses to enter the promised land because he misrepresented him before the people. God does not take lightly how we reveal him to the world. He is concerned about the souls of men. It was his love for the world that Jesus was sent, and it is still in his love that we are sent.
In Christ, we are joined together by the Holy Spirit; our differences are overshadowed by our kindred faith.
Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13:1:
““If I speak in the tongues of men and angels but, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.””
The power of agreement is in selflessness. It is when you arrive at the same point Jesus did and decide, "Nevertheless, not my will but thy will be done." It is when you humbly and voluntarily accept the will of God as the standard for your life. It is in preferring others before yourself, for the sake of love, loving God, others, and yourself. I recently heard a teaching on the topic of biblical agreement by Apostle Theresa Harvard Johnson. She stated:
"as believers, we are called to agree on eternal truths in the word of God. We can disagree on earthly matters about this world but not on what is written in the word. Christ's intention was that we would agree with what he said."
Jesus said in John 15:7:
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
The Greek word for “abide” is meno. In this sense it means to “not depart but to continue to be present.” It means “something has established itself permanently in my soul and always exerts its power in me.” (blue letter bible, 2021) In the English use of the word abide, it can also mean “to agree with.” This scripture is powerful in understanding faithfulness in relationship with God. Jesus is the enduring word, and if we endure with him, suffer with him, then we too will be glorified like him. If we hold fast to the words of Christ, and it abides in our heart, our desires, goals, and request will flow from a renewed mindset that seeks after the will of God. Christ is faithful to fully perform HIS word in your life. Therefore, we pray the scriptures because we agree with what he has declared as truth and making confession according to his promises. Agreement in this scripture looks like a lifelong commitment or covenant. No matter how hard things may get in life, we are called to remain faithful and committed to him. You may be tempted to depart the faith during times of testing, but as Paul instructed Timothy, endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (2 Timothy 2:3) This scripture shows that whatever season you may find yourself in, you make the daily decision to remain.
When believers come together in one mind for one purpose, which is to elevate Christ, joined by his Spirit, unwavering in biblical truth, it has explosive transforming power that makes a statement to the world, convicting hearts and stirring a desire for salvation. This necessitates that we set aside our differences and not take them publicly before the world's court to be judged by people who do not know God. Unity testifies to the validity of Christ. I often say we were set apart to be sent out. In a world divided by the temporal things, we have been joined together in Christ in the eternal, not in material things that perish. Irrespective of what is shaken in the world, we have a Kingdom that cannot be shaken. God gives stability in an unstable, chaotic world. With all that has gone on globally, a pandemic, civil unrest, and social injustice, we need an anchor for our soul.
In a world where everyone is chasing the wind, putting money in bags with holes in it (Haggai 1:6), storing up earthly treasure that cannot go with them into eternity (Luke 12:21); Jesus said he came so that we may have life and that to the full (John 10:10). The fullness of life is in the fullness of grace and truth that came through Christ. Having more money, clothes, cars, or popularity, does not make you whole; it leaves you always wanting more of the world. When the church comes together, the power of God can be a living epistle, a shining lamp, but when we allow for disagreements to arise among us on trivial, carnal matters, we deceive ourselves.
I am not suggesting that you live your life on autopilot, accepting any and everything without discernment, seek the Lord and ask him to help you differentiate between good and evil. You will know that it is good that men learn to exist not in pursuit of their own ambition but in the reality of what Jesus did, which is this:
“For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. [AGREEMENT]”
Even though he is God, being in very nature God, he did not consider equality with God to be used to his own advantage. (Phil. 2:6) This generation has a habit of connecting with people as it is only advantageous to them. Jesus did not intend that we only connect with people at our same level of maturity or higher, but that we do not forget the little ones in him, the babes in Christ. We are called to be patient with others, longsuffering, and walk with them in God in such a way that does not cause them to stumble. Jesus did not use his influence to bring glory to himself. NO! He left that for us to do. We glorify God as we reveal him on the earth for the benefit of others.
When you resolve this in your heart, there is a unifying synergy that occurs, unlike anything one man can accomplish. It undeniable will be a work of the Spirit and not the flesh. True unity is in the Spirit of God. This is the power of togetherness, the power of community, the power of God. Biblical agreement is sacrificial. It does not seek its own way.
Are you willing to sacrifice your personal agenda for the vision of God? This is something I learned very quickly in marriage. Suppose you are determined to fight for your right to be correct, exalting your dreams over your spouse, or self-glorifying opinions. In that case, you will miss out on the beautiful tapestry of the covenant, the many differences woven together to make up a unique fabric of one flesh. This does not mean that your feelings are invalid; it means viewing things within a big picture context, considering the thoughts and feelings of all parties involved. The goal should be to arrive at a place of agreement, where you can see Christ in your situation. Marriage has taught me that it is not about me, but it is the “US factor” that glorifies God. Marriage is God’s picture of his covenant with his people, his unfailing love, and his heart for restoration. My husband and I may not agree on every matter, and that is ok; the bigger question is can we agree on God's intention for our union. Can we agree to give ourselves up for one another continually despite our differences? This is what it means to grow in love.
Is not his bride, MANY members but one body? If you see yourself as an "independent," you have missed the witness that God intended through "interdependency." It is not you; it is not me; it is US. Interdependency is not about being lazy and burdening others unreasonably. It is bearing with one another, working together, in love which is the bond of perfect peace. (Galatians 6:2) Interdependency does not mean that you cannot pursue your passions, it means that your passions will be used to meet someone’s need. Interdependency is willingly helping to lighten the load of another when you can. When my husband and I got married, we both had children. Before us coming together, we were used to doing many things for them on our own. Although we are married, there are still things that we may not ask one another to do for our biological kids because we still see it as "burdening" to one another. This is a progressive work: growing in our understanding of the love of God, one another, and family. It is breaking out of that single mindset and embracing one of the gifts of marriage. That gift is a bond that shares in the responsibilities of life.
Our purpose as the church is to work together as iron sharpens iron, to strengthen the church, not to tear it down. Amos 3:3 says:
“Do two walk together, unless they agree to meet?”
Before two can come together, it is necessary to agree on where to meet. A decision must be met, so the journey can begin. When you came to Christ, your friendship with God was restored; you could walk with Him in the cool of the day instead of hiding from Him. How amazing is it to be refreshed in the presence of God! Biblical agreement is more profound than the clothes we should be wearing; it is the binding agent of our faith in God.
As you go on with your day, consider these things. Take some time and reflect on what biblical agreement means. Ask God to help you walk in the revelation of unity in the faith with your brothers and sisters throughout the world. May the power of God be released as we live in harmony with one another, and choose to agree with God. Let there be no division among us but let us be united in thought and in judgment. (2 Corinthians 1:10)
Our purpose as the church is to work together as iron sharpens iron, to strengthen the church, not to tear it down.
Father,
I pray that the grace of God will empower us today to make the necessary paradigm shifts for how we may have previously understood what it means to biblically agree with one another. Bring our hearts into alignment with your truth. May this journey not be daunting but freeing as we give you our perspectives in exchange for yours. I agree that we have been given the mind of Christ. May you help us to identify when you are releasing your word into our hearts. I agree that we are your sheep, and we hear your voice. When we hear your voice today, help us to not harden our hearts but humble ourselves and receive your word for our life.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Go Deeper:
Matthew 18:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16; 1 John 5:7-8; 1 Corinthians 1:10-11; Romans 15:5
Reflection Points:
**Utilize these worksheets to help further your understanding of the topic. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, print as many copies as you need and keep for your personal reflections with God moments!
Reference:
English Standard Version Bible. (2021). www.esv.org
New International Version Bible. (2021). https://biblehub.com/
G3306 - menō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (KJV). View here
