Jesus revealed the power available when as few as two people are determined to remain in unity: “If two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 18:19 KJV). According to Jesus when we make the decision to live in harmony our power and ability are multiplied.
This isn’t referring to our unity in our doctrine. Our doctrine won’t come into harmony until we’re in Heaven because Paul said, “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known” (1 Corinthians 13:12 KJV). We only know part of the whole picture.
Jesus said, “My prayer for all of them is that they will be one, just as you and I are one, Father—that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me” (John 17:21 NLT). We may never have the same opinion or doctrine but that’s not our goal. Our goal is to become one with Jesus, just as He was one with the Father. When we become one with Jesus, living in harmony with others will result.
In Matthew 12:25, Jesus made this powerful statement: “…Any kingdom at war with itself is doomed. A city or home divided against itself is doomed” (NLT). If we are to enjoy the good life—a life of increased power and the supernatural blessing of God—then we must be committed to living in unity. But be forewarned: The enemy will come immediately to bring division and strife to steal this truth (see Mark 4:15). And if we yield to division, we are doomed. But James 4:7 says, “…humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (NLT).
Jesus goes on to say, “…You can’t enter a strong man’s house and rob him without first trying him up. Only then can his house be robbed!” (Matthew 12:29 NLT). This means that as long as we stay free of the enemy’s traps he cannot rob any of God’s promises from us.
Galatians 5:1 confirms this: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (NIV). If we allow ourselves to get “tied up” by the devil’s yoke of slavery he will be able to steal what rightfully belongs to us.
If difficult people continually ensnare us, we must adopt the same attitude that Jesus had toward people. He said, “Your approval or disapproval means nothing to me” (John 5:41 NLT). We can become immune to the attacks of others by making the commitment to live in peace and harmony, no matter what others do, what they say, or how they act. After all, our destiny is at risk!
