Unlock the Door to Unity from Your Position “in Christ”

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Divisiveness describes our world today, which sadly also creeps into our churches. We can’t function like the world, from a political stance of pride and prejudice, and expect to experience the unity described in Scripture. We must function from our position “in Christ.” Therein we find encouragement and the building up of one another, rather than reacting toward one another with anger, deceitfulness, and manipulation.

Learn from Philippians 2:1-2

The Apostle Paul gave the Philippian church four conditions upon which unity would be based. Notice how the word “if” occurs four times.
Keys to Church Unity Includes Functioning from our position in Christ

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. (Phil. 2:1-2, NASB)

This post will zero in on the first “if” with subsequent posts looking at the other keys to unity.

To Experience Unity We Must Function from our Position “in Christ”

The first “if” points to our position “in Christ” — “if there is any encouragement “in Christ” (Phil. 2:1). According to Ephesians 2:6, God has “seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” When we look at life from that position, we see things differently than when we are right in the fray of it all. We see the big picture, not merely the piece that affects me.

So much of the divisiveness comes from wanting our own individual ways rather than what’s for the good of the whole and most importantly for what honors and glorifies God. If we step out of ourselves and look at life through the eyes of Jesus, our hearts begin to change. We’re willing to sacrifice our own agendas. — “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. … he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death …” (Phil. 2:5-8)

Functioning from Our Position in Christ Leads to Encouragement

Face it: The Church is filled with human beings. We won’t always see eye to eye. Leaders will sometimes fail. People will disappoint. We can still be encouraged despite the blemishes when we look at the Church as it is “in Christ”. Then we will no longer focus on all its flaws. We will see the Church as God sees her “in Christ” — dearly loved, His precious pride. When we see the Church from His vantage point, then we can come alongside (paraklesis) of each other in Him. We will speak the truth in love, not anger and disgust, spurring one another on rather than tearing each other down.

Reality tells us we won’t always agree but “in Christ” we can still come together. We will seek to get on page with Him, not pull others to our side. Then, even if things don’t go our way, we can rejoice together and move forward.

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Are Your Decisions Biblically or Personality Based?

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God’s Word informs us of what we need to do to ensure that we make wise and godly decisions. (Be sure to read: Biblical Tips for Decision-Making) The question we must ask is if our personalities are getting in the way of biblically-based decisions. We need to get beyond ourselves when making decisions and align with God and His Word.

Decisions Biblically Based rather than Personality Have a Lamp to Guide the Way

Let’s heed the warning, “Do not be wise in your own eyes” (Prov. 3:7). Rather, “in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Prov. 3:6-7). We do that as we come under the guidance of His Word which “is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Ps. 119:105).

Understand How Your Personality Can Affect Decision-Making

When we understand how our personalities might sway decision-making, we can take a step back and recalculate where needed.

  • Are you very analytical? (melancholic, C in DISC)

If so, your decisions will tend to be well thought through but you could slow down the process by too much deliberation and frustrate others because of it if not careful.

  • Are you more intuitive, going by feelings or circumstances? (sanguine, I in DISC)

If so, you might not be getting all the facts in making decisions and miss the mark.

  • Do you tend to make rash decisions? (choleric, D in DISC)

If so, your decisions might at times be a bit premature, sometimes what God wants eventually, but not always, and you could ignore the wise input of others if not careful.

  • Do you tend to put off making decisions? (phlegmatic, S in DISC)

If so, your procrastination could make decisions a bit late for averting unnecessary problems or more work than necessary.

  • Do you tend to look for creative alternatives? (melancholic, C in DISC)

If so, you can bring some fresh ideas to the table but must learn to release those ideas to God and not sulk if they aren’t used.

  • Do you tend to look for what works in the moment? (sanguine, I in DISC)

If so, you might be missing the big picture effect of your decisions.

  • Do you tend to look for what conforms to what you’ve done in the past? (phlegmatic, S in DISC)

If so, you might get stuck in traditions and miss out of where God wants to take you.

  • Do you tend to want to take risks? (choleric, D in DISC)

If so, you might experience new and innovative ideas but need to make sure it’s a faith risk guided by God.

  • Do you tend to want to play it safe? (phlegmatic, S in DISC)

If so, you might avoid conflict and danger but you might also be failing to exercise faith in God’s ability to do the extraordinary.

  • Do you tend to aggressively stand up for your decisions, debating any who oppose you? (choleric, D in DISC)

If so, you might get your way but in the process alienate people.

  • Do you tend to quickly cave in to those who oppose you? (phlegmatic, S in DISC)

If so, you might be putting people’s desires above God’s in your compromising.

Decisions Aligned with God and His Word are So Much Better

We need to acknowledge how our personalities might negatively or positively affect the decision-making process and follow a process that is biblically based. That kind of decision making aligns with God and His ways. He assures us that “as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa. 55:9). Our ways may seem good but His ways are so much better.

What are you using as a grid for making decisions? What guides your decision-making process?

More in the Train Church Leaders Practicum: Decision-Making

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Biblical Principles for Decision-Making

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We make a lot of decisions each day. How can we know if we’re making the right decisions? — When we follow principles laid out in God’s Word, we have the help we need for decision-making.

An Acrostic Filled with Biblical Principles to Help with Decision-Making

Conclusions about making decisions can be drawn through the following Scripture verses leading to principles we can apply to the decision-making process.

D – Depend on the Lord to guide you, not on your own understanding. (Prov. 3:5-6; Ps. 28:7; Phil. 2:13)

E – Evaluate the effect your decision will have on others, not just on yourself. (Rom. 14:19-23; 1 Cor. 8:9; 10:23; Eph. 4:1-3; Phil. 2:3-4; Heb. 13:16)

C – Conform to the Lord, not to the world or what you think. (Josh. 24:15; Prov. 14:12; 16:25; Matt. 6:24; Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Jn. 2:15)

I – Insist that all be done to the glory and honor of the Lord, not simply what is convenient or pragmatic. (Matt. 5:16; 1 Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17)

S – Submit to the Spirit’s working, not your own efforts or desires. (Jn. 16:13; Gal. 3:3; 5:16-23; Eph. 4:30; 5:15-18; 1 Thess. 5:19)

I – Imitate and promote the goodness, love and integrity of Christ, not even giving the appearance of evil. (Rom. 13:8, 10; Eph. 5:1-4; Phil. 1:20; 2:14-15; 1 Thess. 5:22-23; Titus 2:7-8; 1 Jn. 4:11)

O – Obey what has already been written in God’s Word, not compromising and going contrary to Truth. (Ps. 1:1-2; 119:105; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 4:12; 5:14)

N – Nurture your walk with the Lord so He has first place in your life, not living merely to please yourself or other people. (Prov. 1:7; 9:10; 14:27; 19:23; 23:17; 2 Cor. 10:5)

S – Seek after God for wisdom, exercising faith in Him and His ways, not interpreting life through your own grid or comfort zone. (Prov. 2:1-11; Phil. 4:6-7; Col. 1:9-10; Heb. 11:6; James 1:5; 1 Jn. 5:14)

How Confident are You in the Decisions You Make?

Decision-Making Principles
The more we apply the above principles to our everyday lives, the more confident we can become that we will make the right choices. To help, print this PDF and take time to read through the Scripture for each point. Revisit it regularly, particularly if you struggle to make the right decisions. You can even use it to guide your prayers, asking the Lord for help, especially with the principles you struggle to follow.

Also Check out the TrainChurchLeaders.com Practicum: Decision-Making

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Volunteers Versus Paid Church Staff?

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People often make a distinction between laity and the professionals (i.e., clergy/pastors and other paid staff members). When we start talking about volunteers versus paid church staff, we often move into a “them versus us” perspective. But, is that biblical? How do the two fit together?

What God Says About People Who Serve in the Church

Page through Scripture about the Church and you won’t find a distinction between volunteers and paid staff. Consider these four points:

  1. God calls leaders (many of which in today’s church are paid) to be servants (Mk. 10:42-43; 1 Pet. 5:2) but He also calls all members of the Church to do the same.

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. (Gal. 5:13)

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (Phil. 2:5-7)

  1. In the Church we all belong to each other based who we are in Christ, not whether paid or volunteer. We simply have different functions, some of which may also be a person’s livelihood.

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. (Rom. 12:4-5)

  1. Everybody in the Body is to be valued. It isn’t based on position, function, or whether paid or a volunteer.

The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable … But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. (1 Cor. 12:21-25)

  1. Everybody in the Body is important to the on-going work and growth of the Church, whether paid or volunteer. In Scripture we find a priesthood of all believers.

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Eph. 4:16)

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Pet. 2:9)

An Example of a Biblical Perspective of Volunteers Versus Paid Church Staff

Unfinished Business about Paid versus Volunteer Staff in the Church
Click on book cover to learn about book in our affiliate store.

In his book, Unfinished Business: Returning the Ministry to the People of God, Greg Ogden shares an example of how a church bulletin lists paid staff:

“Ministers: all the members of [church name]. Assistant to the ministers: the church staff“

So often churches function the opposite with the paid church staff at the top and the ministering members below them. The above example, however, does the following:

  • It removes hierarchy of professionals at the top and laity working for them.
  • It puts the responsibility for ministry in the hands of everyone.
  • It makes it clear that paid staff aren’t doing all the work.

What is your church communicating?

For More about Staffing, Go To: Staffing Ministry Resources

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Scripture Memory Resources to Hide God’s Word in Our Hearts

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Scripture Memorization Discipleship Guide
Hiding God’s Word in our hearts (Ps. 119:11) through intentional Scripture memorization strengthens our walk with Him and equips us to navigate life with wisdom and confidence. The Scripture Memorization Discipleship Guide highlights ten powerful benefits of memorizing Scripture, offers seven practical tips to help you retain what you learn, and provides fourteen methods to make memorization easier and more meaningful.

You’ll also find guidance in the guide for keeping Scripture memory age-appropriate, with insights into how developmental needs and age-level characteristics help us choose relevant Bible verses for the various stages of life. This resource is designed to enrich your own spiritual growth and to support you in discipling others in memorizing God’s Word.

General Info about Scripture Memory

Use the following resources and tools to help with Bible memory.

While seeking to choose doctrinally sound resources, we make no claim to total endorsement of any listing. Where possible, links go to merchants with whom we have an affiliate relationship, such as being an Amazon Associate from whom we earn from qualifying purchases. These sites may use cookies to track activity to ensure that Ministry Tools Resource Center gets commissions from any sales. Links open in new pages to keep the list available.

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Age-Appropriate Memorization of the Word

Children

… from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (2 Tim. 3:15)

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Teens

How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. … I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (Ps. 119:9-11)

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Adults

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (Ps. 119:105)

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Teaching for Scripture Memorization

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Scripture Memory Has Powerful Benefits

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The psalmist said, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Ps. 119:11). The word “hidden” means to store up or treasure. While the verse doesn’t specifically mention memorizing Scripture, that could certainly be a way of storing, or hiding, it in our hearts. Notice that the psalmist suggests one of the benefits of Scripture memory.

Scripture Memorization Discipleship GuideYou’ll find the following benefits of memorizing God’s Word in the Scripture Memorization Discipleship Guide, also with some brief input about each point. The resource adds six more benefits, showing how Scripture memory truly is powerful. In addition, the resource provides some tips and means of memorizing, along with some ways to keep it age-appropriate.

Scripture Memory is a Powerful Tool that Benefits Our Lives

The verses used for each point may not directly imply Scripture memorization but certainly would be a by-product.

  1. Memorizing the Word is instrumental to holy living.

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (Ps. 119:11)

The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip. (Ps. 37:31)

  1. We can better navigate through life when we can pull on memorized verses.

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (Ps. 119:105)

  1. Scripture memory empowers us to stand firm in spiritual battles.

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Eph. 6:17)

  1. Having Scripture memorized helps us with apologetics and sharing the Good News of salvation.

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect … (1 Pet. 3:15)

(Order the Scripture Memorization Discipleship Guide to explore six more benefits.)

If memorizing God’s Word does all of the above,  plus more, surely Scripture memory is a powerful tool. It leads to victorious Christian living and enables us to better serve others. So, what are some ways to memorize Scripture?

Click other resources, go to: Where can you get help with Scripture Memory?

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