Mar 5 Devotion: An Observation Concerning Unity

Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

         It is important to rightly divide truth. (2 Timothy 2:15) It is important to rightly understand what truth is saying. It is not for “private interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20) but is to be spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14) As we comprehend all of this, let us consider something about what this verse in Amos is saying and what it is not saying.

         When it comes to our walk with God, we will only walk with him when we are following his leadership. To do anything to the contrary is to take the position of leadership upon ourselves. When we lead, we expect God to bless our chosen direction. We expect him to agree with us instead of us agreeing with him. When this is the attitude we take, we are not walking together, for God does not relinquish his position as Lord. Much of what is done in the world is done based on our man's opinions and priorities. When God is not our priority and his uncompromised word is not the authority, then we are walking in disagreement with God. We should not think there is a loophole to this truth, for there is none.

         God has established order in his church. He has placed an under-shepherd (pastor) to lead the flock. The pastor’s leadership should not be based on his opinion but on that which God leads him to do. It is imperative that church leadership follows God’s leadership. It is “top down” leadership, but the top is God, not man. God will lead those that follow him and those that have been placed in positions of leadership must learn and practice the attitude of submission in service. Leadership walks with God when leadership agrees with God.

         The flock of God will walk together in agreement when this same submission is practiced. If there is a constant power struggle or splintering of direction or opinion, then there is not a walk of agreement. The precedent is clearly laid out in scripture. God speaks to his man by giving him the direction to go and the flock is to follow. This order is not intended to deify a pastor but to exalt God. The pastor is to be honored for his office and fervently prayed for because his position in this walk is an awesome responsibility for any man. If an attitude of “but” is the way the flock handles this walk, then there is no agreement and there is no harmony or unity. Ponder this thought: the pastor is not infallible in himself, but if he is walking with God in agreement, then his walk is right and his leadership should be followed. Prayerful discernment is needed. God does not lead in a contrary, conflicting fashion, so if there are conflicts and disagreement, somebody is not walking with God. If everyone is on the same page with God, then it will be a page of agreement and not a story of disunity.

In Christ’s Service,

Bro. Adrian Moore

2 Cor. 4:5