Jim's Place

Spiritual Warfare - Cohesion

COHESION is the immeasurable but very real force that holds the various elements of combat forces together in battle. Cohesion flows from a single objective and unity of command. It comes from each combatant understanding and being committed to the plan and making every effort to coordinate his or her efforts with allied forces.

My brothers, some…have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided (1 Corinthians 1:11-13a)?

The church, which is the Body of Christ, must practice cohesion. Jesus said that our love for one another would be the mark of a true disciple. The world will judge whether or not we are His disciples by the love we demonstrate for one another.

A new command I give you; Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:34-35).

Factions and schisms harm the testimony of Christ. Do you see any of these problems in your church? If so, you probably also see the result of those things on those outside the church. How many times have you talked to someone about Christ or coming to church only to hear the reply, “churches a filled with a bunch of hypocrites.” Christians must make every effort to coordinate their efforts and cooperate with other believers in their community.

Nothing harms the name of Christ as much as His disciples “leveling their guns” (sorry for the military phrase) at each other. If Christ is our supreme Commander and we are all in His army, we need to coordinate our actions with our allies.

posted by Jim @ 7:42 AM