Therefore... Work Out. Philippians 2:12. “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” To humble minds and hearts that are warmed by thoughts of what Christ has personally done for us and the scriptural truths that have brought us together as a community of believers, the problems that arise in a local church can be addressed and resolved. We can be united as one in Christ, one body in the Lord, within a local assembly. Not all leaders have an immediate answer to issues that could potentially divide God’s people, but when we face them with humility, the Holy Spirit is here to guide us.
There is a way to resolve disagreements that sometimes pit one person against another. We must remember that they are my sisters and brothers in Christ. Those of us in God's family are united by the same Holy Spirit. Instead of focusing on faults we might see or things we think are missing, we should look for evidence of Christ in their lives. We shouldn't rely on others to solve family conflicts that cause strife among us. Believers carry the Spirit, the Father, and the Son with us and within us to handle all of life’s challenges, and each one is a source of life.
The division that may occur among believers is like death; it causes separation. Unity of life comes from God, who is the source of life and peace. With reverence and humility, focus and devotion, mercy and grace, and dedication to truth and righteousness, the problem of division can soon be resolved and addressed.
God has established assemblies in this world to testify to His grace and provide believers with a place for spiritual growth, worship, and safety. When people share a common faith, relationships form as we live our lives in Christ. There will always be some internal differences that arise and need to be addressed and resolved by those with spiritual understanding. Outside help is not the solution because these issues are within the local fellowship, and the Word of God and the Spirit of God are there to guide us.
The salvation of an assembly starts in each believer's mind and manifests in a visible way toward a suitable outcome for the entire group. An assembly exists for God's pleasure, and He provides the desire and strength to do what pleases Him. Disunity is a trap for the whole assembly because broken relationships hinder positive gospel activity and hinder our spiritual growth. Testimony and worship in spirit and truth are effectively obstructed by disunity. Restoring a struggling testimony must be guided by wise leaders of the local assembly, not traveling preachers. Local elders who know the people and the issues must seek God's guidance to motivate and direct them.
Reverence for God and divine things is evident when there is fear and trembling, understanding that God is involved in resolving the issue of disunity. Focusing on the solution reflects a response to God's grace, which is necessary to address doubts and anxiety during such times. When we surrender our will to God's and obey His word with sincerity in heart and action, salvation will follow. A key principle is, “Let each esteem others better than themselves.”