Reprinted by permission

In an excerpt from a trip report, the author discusses the power of Christian unity. 

Last month [June 2009] I was able to travel to Cairo, gathering with our ministry team and new friends that are interested in serving with us. Our time together was fruitful. God helped us reach a point of unity and trust, sending us forward into new territory.

Unity was the hallmark of the time together. It is a miraculous thing to experience the reality of the Body of Christ, one Church covering many nations across the globe, according to Jesus:

"...they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me." (John 17:23b)

That statement is either foolish idealism or the secret to changing the world. If our desire is that the world "may know," then we must have a revelation and demonstration of unity in the church. The best course of action would be to start small! Be united with your own local church and its leadership.

This unity, when experienced, is quite distinct. No member feels unimportant, nor does any member feel especially important. This unity is a sign of God's work in a collection of individuals and it commands a blessing. As I got to know the new men, I looked for a few distinguishing features:

• Humility—not low self esteem, but their high esteem for others
• Love—not mere familiarity or warmth, but their commitment to make sacrifices and labor for the success of the team
• The Fear of God—an understanding that their lives are laid bare before God the Father and that they are subject to His righteous evaluation at any moment

These three features are oftentimes indistinguishably intertwined. The knowledge that we are accountable to God (the fear of God) sends us headlong into the Greatest Command: Love the Lord your God and your neighbor as yourself. Real love cannot be practiced by the proud. Gladly, these men possessed these qualities. Together, we will encourage each other to possess them "in increasing measure."

Matt Brennan is the leader of the International Outreach Ministries’ eBridge project, which equips indigenous believers in proclaiming the Gospel, making disciples, and training fruitful leaders.