Kingdom Culture of Strength
“Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12
There are many strengths that we receive in Christ’s kingdom, but the one I am addressing today is the power of unity. If you were to look at a world map, you would quickly see the lines that have been drawn as boundaries for territories and nations. These lines change as wars are fought and land is divided. However, in God’s kingdom culture, there are no lines that divide territory. There is one territory, and it belongs to one owner, God the Father. God has given us one King, who is Jesus.
God has bound us together through Christ. We are one, like the Father and Son are one (John 17). This unity gives God’s kingdom strength. The opposite would be division, which would make us weaker. If an enemy wants to defeat an army, one tactic is to “divide and conquer.” Even in nature, if a predatory animal wants to take down prey, the tactic is to separate one animal from the pack. Why? There is strength in unity.
The Bible talks about Christians as being one, like a body, yet with many members. These members are very different in gifting, calling, anointing, personality, location, experience, and equipping; however, when these members work together, they complement, not compete, with one another. It makes a body stronger when when working together.
In today’s world, we have seen some ministers, ministries, churches, and believers compete with one another. They take from one another and harm one another. It is never right to do anything outside of love. We are called to build up together, not tear down one another. However, there is a truth that God has every right, as the kingdom owner, to place people where He wants to place them, to flow through them wherever, whenever, and however to do whatever He chooses. We need to honor God by honoring them, receiving their gifts and working together as one.
One reason why people want to draw lines and boundaries is because of insecurity. They don’t want to lose what they have to someone else. Another reason is the desire to control and overpower others, requiring ownership of territory. However, when we are confident in God, we don’t fear other workers in the harvest. We don’t have to try to control other people. We need to remember the God we serve and honor His ownership of His kingdom. Let’s keep our attention on our King, our Lord, Jesus Christ, and honor His authority. We also need to honor one another and the giftings we have to offer, especially when they are offered with integrity.
Application: Is there someone newer to your area? Someone younger rising up? Do something to strengthen them this week.