Introduction: Unity is wonderful. Almost a month ago, terrorists committed mass murder at the World Trade Center. It was a terrible event, but God has used it to bring some good to pass. One good result has been national unity. Last week political analyst Dick Morris was being interviewed on FoxNews, and he said that he had never seen anything like it in his lifetime. The Democrats and the Republicans have laid aside partisan politics, and are all working together in unity for the good of the nation. We also see the nations of the world coming together in unity to defeat terrorism.

King David was enthusiastic about unity among God's people when he penned Psalm 133:

"How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore."

King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12:

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

As we read the Gospel of John, it is plain that Jesus wants unity in the Church (John 17:20-23). It is also clear, that quite often churches do not have unity. I constantly hear of churches fighting over who should be a deacon or elder, who should be the pastor, what nursery procedures should be followed, what hymns should be sung, what color the carpet should be, etc. People get hot under the collar, angry and bitter. Hard words are exchanged. Friendships are broken. People quit coming to church. Gossip and rumors start spreading. Brethren, such things ought not to be!

WHAT MUST GOD'S PEOPLE DO TO HAVE CHURCH UNITY? TWO SIMPLE BIBLE PRINCIPLES:

I. Christians must get a "servant attitude."

A. Jesus told us what to do (John 13:12-17).

B. We need to make an effort to get to know each other, and our needs.

C. We need to consciously plan how to help each other.

D. We must then use our abilities to carry out those plans.

II. Christians must speak to each other in the right ways.

A. Most church problems stem from wagging tongues. Controlling the tongue is impossible, humanly speaking (James 3:7-8), but Jesus can do it. "Is there anything too hard for God?" Have you given your tongue to Jesus?

B. For practical pointers about how to speak to one another, we can't find a better passage than Ephesians 4:29-32:

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Conclusion: There is a final word of advice about creating and maintaining unity in the Church -- We must try hard! One rotten apple can spoil a whole barrel, and one bitter church member can spoil an entire church. Each of us must try very hard not to be that rotten apple. See Ephesians 4:1-3:

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

EVERYONE needs to work on this, including YOU!

This is a story of four people called Everybody, Somebody , Anybody and Nobody:

It was an important work that had to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.

Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.

Somebody got angry because if this, because it was Everybody's job.

Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody understood that Everybody wouldn't do it.

It ended with Everybody blaming Somebody as Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

All God's people must work hard for unity in the Church!