"A Song of Ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!"

We need each other. We need the gospel, and we need the people, so we can be warned, reproved, and instructed. We need someone to love, and rubbing shoulders with the saints - in all our faults and inconsistencies - proves that we know God, and gives us room to exercise our gifts. We need to build one another up, encouraging each other to continue in the faith. Hebrews 3:13 - "But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin's deception." Saints need tangible support, and words of comfort.

The community of believers is the greatest organization on earth, because it is the house of God, upholding the truth [1 Tim 3:15]. God is glorified as we gather. He doesn’t want many solo children. He has one body - the body of Christ - and we work together. Romans 8:29 - "For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers."

Let this mind be in you. No solo saints. No saying, “They aren’t perfect, so I’ll stay home.” Find a community of believers, and meet under God’s instruction. Do things God’s way, and you’ll see the pleasantness. He says, “how good and how pleasant.” Put away the competitive spirit - trying to make a name for self, etc. Be all about the body and lifting up Christ, and God’s Spirit will dwell in sweetness. Seek nothing for self, unite around the truth, and be zealous [Jer 45:5]. This does not disregard the gospel to hold hands with each other; it holds the gospel unshakably with those who are also steadfast. The body of Christ - the church - must expand. These are our people.

Secondly, this is where the blessing is. Psalm 133:3 - "It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore." In the church, as people work together and love each other, God comes down in special power. Grace made us love, and grace rewards our unified declaration of Christ. In the Great Awakening, that mighty revival at the formulation of the United States, many ministers and churches worked together. They had a united message, but they were different denominations. There were Baptists, Presbyterians, Anglicans, Congregationalists, etc, all laboring side by side. George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards were the biggest names, and among the best preachers, but many unknowns served zealously. Many ministers emptied their churches to hear Whitefield, and he sought no imposition on others… no attempt to draw disciples to himself.

This is what we need today. Everybody involved. All hands on deck. No one seeking glory, and everyone serving the Son. God will add to our midst. Joy, peace, and usefulness will increase. God will bless our obedience.