What does God think?

Houston Fellowship Church of the Nazarene
“What does God think?”
By: Rev. David W. Ching

Have you ever wondered what God thinks when we get together to talk about him on Sunday’s, Wednesday’s and during small groups? I believe that it is very special to Him!

Have you ever read this scripture from Malachi 3:16-17? “16 Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name. 17 "They will be mine," says the LORD Almighty, "in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him” (NIV).

God thinks so much about our speaking with each other and sharing the Word and His ways; that he has a special book where all our conversations are recorded. I believe this is important that we understand this because the way some people act in church, you might think twice about acting that way if you know that it is recorded by God. God loves to hear us talk about Him and show acts of love and kindness, but I don’t think He would be too thrilled about some of the attitudes and disgruntle-ness we sometimes show in His house toward each other. The devil is always trying to separate believers. If the enemy can keep us divided, then he keeps unity from ever coming our way and the treasurer our words bring in unity will not exist. Unity always brings fellowship, and in fellowship we have communication, and in communication we create special treasures that are valuable and precious to God.

We will never always agree on how some things should be done, because we are human and each is wired differently. However, in order to create valuable and precious treasure for God, we must choose to put aside our differences and focus on Christ (our one key element). To speak – to share – to shout – to honor – to praise – and to worship Him; we create a treasure that is worth His keeping. We cannot share with each other; love each other; be kind to each other; or set the example for each other and the lost, unless we all unity to have its way with us. Unity is a choice that we make one way or the other and it causes God to command a blessing upon us. Read Psalms 133 for more information from the Word on this.

I remember reading a story of two men a long time ago that I would like to share with you today. “There were two old men who had dwelt together for many years, who never quarreled. And that one said to the other let us pick a quarrel with one another, even as other men do. "Ï know not how to quarrel said the younger" to which the older replied, "set then this brick in the middle and say this is mine. To which I will say, no it is mine, from whence quarreling will begin." So they placed the brick in the midst, and one said "this is mine", to which the other said, "If this be so, then take it and go thy way in peace". So they were unable to quarrel” (Sayings of the Desert Fathers 400 AD).

We may not always agree with each other, but we can make a choice for unity. When we see unity we will see the Glory of God manifested. The Bible tells us, “The whole earth shall be covered with the knowledge of the glory of God.” Man has the ability to do great things through unity as well as having the capacity of evil. Therefore, you see, you do have the choice, one way or the other. The Body of Christ is made up of many ethnic groups; many cultures; and many different social economic groups. However, if we want to “See the Glory of God,” we must choose to walk in the diversity and acceptance of our differences and choose to be unified and not segregated!

Ephesians 4:2-3 tells us, “Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Always keep yourselves united in the Holy Spirit, and bind yourselves together with peace” (NIV).

John 17:21 goes on to say, “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” (NIV).

Now is the time for us to speak of his love together. The windows of the treasury in heaven are always open to receive new treasures, and there is no end to the book into which God will record our words. There are so many people in our world today crying out; lost; depressed; and with no one to talk with or share their joy with. Our unity brings about change and that change opens the doors for these lost souls.

With the world at its worst – the church needs to be at its best.

Your choices define whether it will be the best or if it will be running side by side with the world at its worst. God bless each of you and my hope is that today you will choose unity in Christ.