The Missing Ingredient in Apostolic Dialogue – UNITY

My heart aches for the things that are causing disunity in the Body of Christ. Last month the Lord gave me a word about one of our problems. We need heaven-sent definitions of commonly used words in the current apostolic dialogue concerning His Kingdom.

This was confirmed by other brothers hearing the same thing. Most 21^th century Christian leaders don’t even have biblical definitions for the words they throw around. Words like “Kingdom” become the buzzwords and everyone starts using them, but only inside their present contaminated context creating “mixture” which the Lord abhors.

Recently the Lord has been speaking to me about another problem. I would like to add what I believe to be a missing ingredient in the current apostolic landscape or dialogue. I am especially burdened for the latent mistrust and disunity in those who claim to be stewarding a deposit to help build His Church and Kingdom. I am burdened even more as I recently experienced once again our inability to unite. I don’t really think we understand unity.

Where is faithful support & care for one another? Where is loyalty and respect for each other’s gifting/leanings/convictions? Why are we always trying to judge each other? Who made us the Sheriff of His Universe? Where is our patience and longsuffering for one another as we allow the Lord to mature us? Why are we so affected by our own tunnel vision that we cannot see anything but what we think is important? Do we really understand what it means to be a bond slave in His Vineyard, following only His orders by the Spirit? Nothing is ours, not even our revelation. Where is the humility, transparency, and the deferring to one another?

Before you take it personal or you begin to dismiss what I am saying as not a problem in your sphere, let me say something. Unity is not the Marshal Law you run in your little fiefdom with those you financially or by other means control (oppress) under you. Such as those you:

1. Offer to ordain
2. Give a Title to
3. Offer to give a diploma
4. Pay a salary or provide income
5. Promote to a position
6. Need your “Covering.” God Forbid!
7. Need your recommendation.

The Missing Ingredient

Only dead men can build without personal agendas. Safety is found in a mutually respected company of apostles and prophets. I know it’s a process, but let’s manifest at least the beginnings instead of politicking when we come together and posturing ourselves for endorsements from the weak and the younger. Most Christian “members” today are aware of our backroom squabbling, and because our disunity and the heartache it has caused them, find themselves either exiting the church or hiding out in non-spirit filled religious groups that at least offer them peace. That alone should break our hearts, bring us to repentance, and then drive us to avidly to seek the table for real dialogue. If we really understood & believed that only in the full representation of His Body is the full truth, we would have a higher esteem for one another’s participation.

Here are some helpful suggestions;

1. Let’s not participate in backroom discussions of one another without the third party present.
2. Without overlooking our convictions, let’s press in to participate with each other when possible.
3. Let’s ask the Lord in our prayer time for Love/Compassion/Mercy for one another.
4. Let’s take down all our flags & names which hinder unity.
5. Let’s quit deceiving ourselves about being interested in unity:
   1. Only when it’s at our address or building.
   2. When we are the speakers or in charge.
   3. When it was OUR idea or event.
   4. When we are “correctly” represented (racially or denominationally).
   5. When we place unknowns in leadership to appease the divisive atmosphere.
   6. When we get a cut of the profits. God forbid!

I am not in denial nor am I going around saying it already exists. I suspect for many of us it will take a walk we have never seen modeled, making it even more difficult. It’s sad to say, but in 25 years of ministry, I have only seen glimpses of the things I long for.

Is your ego sufficiently in check? Do you have enough self-confidence and maturity to step into a dialogue where no one will be amazed or awed by your participation? Can your little world handle the fire as it is dismantled by a group of peers if need be?

It seems like we have a long way to go, but the truth is everything starts with us. We don’t have to look anywhere else but the person in the mirror to begin the process. We can’t go back and fix the past or even things going on right now. We must forge ahead with a fresh example of true Christian unity.

Here is a prayer:

Father, I ask that your Spirit would do an intense scan of my mind, will, and emotions concerning unity in your Body. Lord, forgive me for the past, and help me to take steps today for Unity. Finish your “dying process” in me that your Church may be built and your Kingdom expanded. I need your strength for this Lord! I am yours, have your way in my life. In Jesus Mighty Name! AMEN

Jose L. Bosque

Jose Bosque is Editor in Chief and founder of Viral Cast Media which oversees GodsLeader, JaxChristian now ViralChrist and 15 other websites. He has ministered in Jacksonville since 1987 and served the city since 1992 as a citywide servant leader. Jose is considered a resource and a spiritual father to many leaders in the city and in the 54 nations where the Lord has sent him to serve. Originally born in Cuba, Jose has resided in Jacksonville since 1966. Contact Him at: www.RevivalPartners.net or ForRevival@aol.com Editors Note: Please help us continue to get this word out for free- No amount is too small- Thanks for your generosity! DONATE CLICK HERE