Just recently, for much of the day, I cared for two of our grandchildren, who are siblings. Frequently, they were at each other’s throats literally hitting, biting, and screaming. Then, three minutes later, they would be playing happily together with overflowing laughter and joy, or sitting side by side in a chair talking to one another in sweet voices. It occurred to me that God’s children, in every age, act in much the same way.

Immediately after the final ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ into heaven, the 120 faithful followers of the Savior returned to Jerusalem. It is noteworthy that even before being endued with power from the Holy Spirit, they are described as continuing “…with one accord in prayer and supplication…” (Acts 1:14). For emphasis, and so we don’t miss it, this condition of unity, which continued, is repeated for us several times. While waiting for promised miraculous power to witness to lost Israel, “…they were all with one accord in one place” (Acts 2:1). After following the unique, kingdom requirement to sell all their possessions, they continued “…daily with one accord…” (Acts 2:46). When commanded by the Jewish religious leaders to not speak to others about Christ, “they lifted up their voice to God with one accord” in prayer, asking for boldness to continue witnessing (Acts 4:23-29). As they continued in ministry, they were “…with one accord in Solomon’s porch” (Acts 5:12). Simply put, those who follow Christ are to live, worship, minister, and interact with one another in blessed, harmonious unity. Paul tells the saints at Corinth, “…I beseech [beg] you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing…that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (I Corinthians 1:10). Through the Word of God and indwelling Holy Spirit, the Lord is still begging believers to interact with one another in harmony. This is why we are instructed to be “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3), and to “…be of one mind, [and] live in peace…” (II Corinthians 13:11).

Which kind of child of God are you? Are you like the ones screaming and fighting, or are you one happily speaking sweet words, making it easy to get along? You are either part of the problem or part of the solution. Decide right now that your words and conduct today are going to promote unity, not destroy it.