Abby McDonald

Finding the Hope of Christ in a Messy Life

  • Home
  • About
  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Coaching & Resources
  • Blog
  • Contact

5 Ways to Promote Unity in the Church

February 24, 2015 by Abby McDonald

 

One word can change everything.

Our interpretation can be altered with just a few letters and the way we string those letters together can make an undeniable difference in the impact they have.

For years, I thought I knew a popular verse in scripture. When I came to it, I quickly skimmed over it and move forward because I didn’t think there was anything new for me to digest.

Last week, I realized how how wrong I was. Two words jumped off the page of my Bible.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV

Yes, the “in” and the “God.” When I recited this verse in my head, for years my memory recalled this:

“All things work for the good of those who love him…”

The problem is, it’s not the things that are working for our good. It’s God in those things. If our focus is not on him and our walk is not with him, every horrible, tragic event certainly won’t work for our good.

Trials will surely crush us and throw our lives into a downward spiral if God isn’t at the center of it all.

Jesus is the eye in the midst of the storm, where our calm and our hope remain secure.

Last week, I shared how in the midst of the news that 21 brave Christians were murdered in Libya, God was breaking my heart over the division of the church. And while this is a problem which exists worldwide and has no easy solution, I believe there are steps we can take as believers to embrace unity.

I am convinced that in the middle of heartbreak over what extremists are doing, God is working. He is working in and through these tragic events, and in the hearts of those who love him.

Can one person actually make a difference? I believe so. Here are some simple steps to promoting unity not only in your own church home, but in the church as a whole:

  1. Avoid gossip and assumptions.

    When we don’t know the reason for something, we love to assume we have the answer based on what we’ve seen and heard. Here’s an idea: if you have a question, ask the person in question. You will never know the real story unless you go to the source.

  2. Talk to someone you don’t know.

    Some of my best friendships have been formed as a result of approaching someone new. Our first impressions of people are often far from true, and often what we perceive as being standoffish is a person simply waiting for us to make the first move.

  3. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

    I have known many who have left a church because they did not agree with every single detail of a pastor’s teaching. The truth is, if you keep this mindset, you will be continually disappointed. Your pastor is learning and growing just like you are. If your church is preaching the Gospel and truth about how to receive salvation, you can afford to disagree on secondary issues.

  4. Pray for your church.

    Pray for its leaders, its body and each member. Just as Jesus did, pray that you will be one in Spirit and purpose. This is the most important but easily the most overlooked step we can take.

  5. Contribute. 

    We are a body. If one part is not contributing his or her gifts, the entire church suffers. Find the area where you thrive and get involved. Not only will the church benefit, but you will as well.

Friends, God is moving in the hearts of his people. The question is, are we going to take steps forward or move back?

My prayer is that the loss of 21 courageous men will be a catalyst for believers everywhere to embrace what is truly important.

 

An Invitation:

If you need further encouragement that God is for you and the church, even in the midst of the struggle, uncertainty, and unknown future, I encourage you to pick of a copy of my book, Shift: Changing Our Focus to See the Presence of God. Many people have sent me messages saying it is a timely book for this season, which encourages my heart so much. I pray that God continues to use it to touch lives.

Here’s what one reader said:

“As somebody who has spent the last year reading a variety of Christian living books, I can say that this is one of my top three books in the genre. Abby McDonald does something that many other authors do not. She digs deep.

While so many in this genre are “comfort Christian” books that remind us we are loved as we are, McDonald goes far past the surface as she explores her own life and how she has needed, time and again, to shift her focus and her thinking away from secular ideas and back to God.

I truly appreciate how we are not told that it is all easy and that her life is now perfect because she just shifted on over to Jesus and “poof!” everything was great again. McDonald reminds us that this is hard work, that we are human and that life is hard. She also helps us to refocus on fighting our fear by seeking our faith as a grounding platform on which to stand.”

 -Jen Fournier

You can purchase a copy of Shift by clicking the image below.

*Affiliate disclosure

 

Share if you care!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Print

Filed Under: spiritual growth Tagged With: division in church, faith, unity in church

Let’s Stay Connected

Subscribe to receive my latest posts via email.
And as a thank you, I’ll send you a free PDF download of
"The Daughter’s Manifesto."

Privacy Policy

Comments

  1. danisejurado says

    February 24, 2015 at 10:05 am

    Good morning Abby! I am your Linky neighbor this morning with #Raralinkup ! 🙂
    Thank you so much for your lovely post!
    I love ALL 5 of your suggestions to promote unitiy as they all promote LOVING others as we would hope to be loved ourselves…
    None of us like to be misunderstood and would appreciate being given the benefit of the doubt… I agree that “Avoiding gossip and assumptions” is definitely #1!
    Blessings to you! stay encouraged and keep writing 🙂

    • Abby says

      February 24, 2015 at 11:01 pm

      Blessings to you too, Danise, and you do the same! Thanks so much for your encouragement, friend. 🙂

  2. Tina says

    February 24, 2015 at 10:07 am

    LOVE this: “The problem is, it’s not the things that are working for our good. It’s God in those things. If our focus is not on him and our walk is not with him, every horrible, tragic event certainly won’t work for our good.”

    Amen Abby! Thank you for prompting me to think about ways I can promote unity within the body of Christ. Talking to someone I don’t know is probably the one item on the list I find myself avoiding the most, so I think that’s probably the best place to start. I’m encouraged by your heart for others and the church. Thank you for sharing with us at #RaRaLinkup today!

    • Abby says

      February 24, 2015 at 11:02 pm

      That one is sometimes difficult for me too, Tina, but God has shown me that taking that step can bring such beautiful friendships. Thanks so much for visiting today! Blessings to you, friend.

  3. bevduncan103 says

    February 24, 2015 at 10:47 am

    Abby,
    It is amazing how focusing on the words “in” and “God” make all the difference in the world. I am currently taking a Bible study called “Grasping God’s Word” and it teaches you how to really break down and digest scripture as well as read it in context and be able to apply it to life today. Amazing what nuggets are hidden in scriptures that we scan over because we think we “know” them. I also agree with you in seeking unity in the church. There are the non-negotiables and then there are the details that divide. Lord, give us wisdom to know the difference. Great post!
    ((Hugs)),
    Bev

    • Abby says

      February 24, 2015 at 11:04 pm

      Amen, Bev. I need his wisdom as I certainly have questioned myself and the teaching of churches we have attended. Staying in the Word is definitely key. Thanks so much for sharing here today, friend! Love and hugs to you.

  4. christy mobley says

    February 24, 2015 at 10:54 am

    Abby, I find it interesting when people say they don’t want go to church because of the people there. They never stop to think maybe it’s that way because they aren’t there. They never stop to think that they are an integral part of the whole. A missing piece. Love number 5. As always Abby, excellent!

    • Abby says

      February 24, 2015 at 11:05 pm

      I agree, Christy. I don’t think many people consider how their absence affects the church as a whole. Good thoughts! Thanks for sharing.

  5. IntentionallyPursuing.com says

    February 24, 2015 at 12:43 pm

    Such wisdom in your words, Abby. I love this: “If you have a question, ask the person in question.” This step would stop gossip in its tracks. Thank you for encouraging me this morning, my friend, and reminding me to slow down as I read those familiar words.

    Taking steps forward, my friend. Thank you for linking up at #IntentionalTuesday. : )

    • Abby says

      February 24, 2015 at 11:06 pm

      As I said, I’m so glad I found your link-up, Crystal! I had fun and look forward to connecting with your readers. Have a great week.

  6. pkstew2 says

    February 24, 2015 at 1:55 pm

    Abby, I love these tips on promoting unity – I really need to work on praying for my church – what a difference that would make. Have a great day, Kim Stewart #raralinkup

    • Abby says

      February 24, 2015 at 11:07 pm

      I think that prayer is so easily overlooked but I have seen and heard such amazing testimonies of strides churches have taken as a result of prayer. It is so important. Thank you so stopping here today, Kim! I always love hearing from you.

  7. Gary Breter says

    February 24, 2015 at 3:01 pm

    Abby: This is a powerful timely message for The Church. Thanks for using your spiritual gift of exhortation! Love, Dad

    • Abby says

      February 24, 2015 at 11:07 pm

      Thanks so much for reading and encouraging, Dad. Love you.

  8. Jen says

    February 24, 2015 at 3:15 pm

    Great post and reminder. Sometimes we become so comfortable in the church that we become stagnant and useless.

    • Abby says

      February 24, 2015 at 11:08 pm

      Amen, Jen. I agree. It is so easy for us here America to become comfortable and I think God often uses tragic effects to open our eyes. Thanks so much for stopping here and sharing your thoughts today.

  9. kristine says

    February 24, 2015 at 7:19 pm

    I agree, Abby. After 9-11, the church truly came together to pray and mourn the loss of so many. I believe the church will bind together again in support of these brave 21.

    • Abby says

      February 24, 2015 at 11:09 pm

      That is my prayer, Kristine. When we stand together God can do great and mighty things through us. Thanks so much for stopping here today, friend!

  10. findingourfeetorg says

    February 24, 2015 at 8:16 pm

    I always find your posts so timely. Many of these issues have been on my heart lately. I love that you made it into an action-oriented guide. Very helpful. Thank you.

  11. debbie richardson says

    February 24, 2015 at 8:45 pm

    Great post. Trusting God’s sovereignty is key. Following His command to love one another is necessary if we hope to share Christ with a lost world. He said that they will know we are Christians by our love. Unity with Christ. Unity with the brethren.

  12. Melanie S. Pickett says

    February 25, 2015 at 11:59 am

    Wow, wonderful post. Those are great steps and since our church has been transitioning over the past year or two, I see where it could have been less bumpy if we’d all embraced those steps (especially not sweating the small stuff). I personally am going to commit to reaching out to those new faces I see and foster unity and community in my own church.

    • Abby says

      February 26, 2015 at 11:03 pm

      We go to a church that is very new, Melanie, so I’ve seen a lot of these things firsthand. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Praying for each of us as we reach out to others.

  13. Christine Duncan says

    February 25, 2015 at 2:55 pm

    Two words to take that catalyst change to a whole new meaning… that’s incredible. What an awesome revelation. And like you said, it’s something you think you know… until God breathes His real intent into it, that was there waiting for us the whole time to unlock. Wow.
    Thanking Him for this lesson today, and for your words Abby. Big time.

    • Abby says

      February 26, 2015 at 11:04 pm

      I love that scripture is living and active, always breathing new life into us with its words. Thanks so much for your continual encouragement, Christine! You are a blessing, friend.

  14. Kristi says

    February 25, 2015 at 4:05 pm

    Truth! You set it out for the world to see, Abby. It’s wise, it’s truth, and it’ll bring unity. And, it’s a great reminder for all us.

    • Abby says

      February 26, 2015 at 11:06 pm

      That is always my goal, Kristi, to speak the truth even when it’s hard. You are such an encouragement to me and I’m praying for each of us as we continue spreading the Light of Christ. Much love to you, friend.

  15. kaydall23 says

    February 25, 2015 at 5:09 pm

    I agree especially with the first one. Assumptions are deadly to unity. A lot of times being in a church is a lot like playing “telephone” with a group of kids. A message gets badly garbled the more times it’s repeated. Best to go directly to the leadership and ask if something doesn’t sound right instead of continuing to propagate error and gossip. I also thing I’d add one more: Give grace generously! My goodness, everyone makes mistakes and we need to be gracious in loving our pastors and leaders and think the best and not the worst of them. Thanks

    • Abby says

      February 26, 2015 at 11:07 pm

      That is such a great analogy, Karen. Yes, the message can become so garbled the more times it’s translated and repeated. Thanks so much for stopping here and sharing your thoughts today.

  16. Walter Kahler says

    February 26, 2015 at 6:32 am

    So many excellent points Abby. Sometimes I too overlook scripture and when the time comes to revisit them something new jumps out and God’s wisdom is revealed. Those 5 steps in promoting unity in church are effective and the efforts a individual to apply them does make a difference, I have found they are beneficial to my relationship with Christ.

    • Abby says

      February 26, 2015 at 11:08 pm

      Thank you so much for your encouraging words, Walter. I love how God is always teaching us new things through his Word if we pay attention.

  17. akdalke says

    February 26, 2015 at 9:07 am

    Don’t you love when you read something that totally confirms things you’ve been thinking? Yep, this post just did. 🙂 Love this. How I pray that we who were called to love…so that unbelievers could see God’s love in us…would just do the thing and LOVE each other.

  18. melanieporter45 says

    February 26, 2015 at 3:02 pm

    You are so spot on with this Abby. United we stand – divided we fall, and fall is what the Devil wants the church to do. Thank you for this timely truth reminder! Excellent writing dear! ((((Hugs)))) and blessings to you today friend!

  19. Katy McCown says

    February 28, 2015 at 2:26 pm

    Awesome, Abby! “The problem is, it’s not the things that are working for our good. It’s God in those things.” Wow! I love this. So powerful!!

Hi! I'm Abby and I'm so glad you're here. I am a wife and a mom of two very energetic boys and one sweet baby girl. When I'm not chasing them around I love to write about my love for a God who relentlessly pursued me, even during my darkest times. READ MORE...

Let’s Stay Connected

Subscribe to receive my latest posts via email. And as a thank you, I’ll send
you a free PDF download of "The Daughter’s Manifesto."

Privacy Policy

Stay Connected

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Popular Posts

How God Responds When His Own Want to Die
4 Truths to Hold Onto When You Think You've Let God Down
When "I'll Pray for You" Is An Insult
When You Stop Praying for the Miracle

You Can Find Me Here

Take the Challenge

Categories

Recent Facebook Posts

Recent Facebook Posts

Recent Pins

Latest Instagram Feed

Friend, if you are in a season of waiting right no Friend, if you are in a season of waiting right now, I encourage you to look back on the ways God delivered you in the past. Repeat promises about his character out loud and write them in places where you will see them throughout the day. 

Doing these things may feel silly at first, but here’s what you’re doing: You’re rewiring your brain. When your mind is tempted to believe the negative, you are building a neural pathway to truth. You are creating a pattern, and as you do, it will begin to become more natural.

No matter what, remember God goes with you, even on the days it feels as though you’re alone. He is reaching out for you through the waves of chaos. Reach for him, and grab hold.
A few weeks ago, I had a heart to heart with God w A few weeks ago, I had a heart to heart with God while walking our dog in the cold. There were a few areas in my life where I was beyond weary. My honest confession didn’t leave me with any answers, but the release made me feel the weight lift a little. But still, I longed for some type reassurance. Like Moses before the burning bush, my heart whispered, “Show me your glory.”

That night my husband and I were sitting in our back yard, and I witnessed an unexpected gift I’d never seen: a meteor shower. Every few moments, a streak of light would illuminate the sky, and the magic of it left me awestruck. It was unlike anything I’d experienced in a long time.

As I put my head on the pillow that night, I sensed God saying, “I know you don’t always see it, but I’m protecting you in more ways than you know.”

There are fires He puts out that we never see.

Destructive masses flying toward us that are struck down before they reach us.

And while the struggle and the weariness remain, somehow I feel held right here in the middle of it. I know I’m seen. I know His love reaches places that go beyond those streaks of fire.

#faithhopelove #hisloveenduresforever #prayermatters #keepgoing
Have you ever heard a message that breathed new li Have you ever heard a message that breathed new life into a passage? This happened to me today, and I couldn’t believe the ways this psalm opened up before my eyes, even though I’d read it hundreds of times.

A valley of darkness is not a place where I’d want to sit down and have a meal. My focus would be on getting out. I can see myself asking God, “Can’t you see all these shadows lurking? Really, God?” And yet there David is, right in the middle of the shadow of death, eating. The Lord doesn’t wait until he gets to the other side to prepare the table. He prepares in right there in front his enemies. Enemies who are likely taunting. Whispering lies. Asking what he’s doing there and if he thinks he’ll really make it through. 

But God isn’t intimidated by the darkness that trembles in his presence. He wants to take David to higher ground. And you know what? He won’t get there by staying comfortable.

So instead of letting the voices of evil defeat him, David declares victory. His cup overflows. His path is secure. And ours is too, friends. Keep praising him in the midst of the battle today.

#authorsofinstagram #hopewriters #sundayscripture #hisgrace #victoryisyours #christianwriterscommunity #scriptureoftheday
We make thousands of choices each day, but not all We make thousands of choices each day, but not all of them are life altering. If you’re anything like me, when those big ones come 
you can go to God and expect an answer right then, even when you’ve done little to even connect with him.

But connection to God will always precede the direction of God. 

To enjoy the limitless benefits that come from this relationship, we must first take time fostering it. Wisdom, joy, love, and a sound mind are all at our fingertips. If we take the time. If we seek him before simply seeking his plans.

When we do, we find this:

1. God will open the doors he wants us to walk through. 

2. We often complicate what God has already instructed us to do. 

3. The right decision does not mean there are no bumps in the road.

Friend, I don’t know what decision fatigue you’re facing today, but know you face decisions that need to be made. This is the life we live. Whether they’re big or small, fear-inducing or not, know God is there with you, and he gives wisdom to whoever will ask.

#dailydevotional #decisionmaking #hisgrace #seekhimfirst
Sometimes the first sentence is the hardest to wri Sometimes the first sentence is the hardest to write. That’s why nearly every time I write, I ask myself these two questions:

1. What is my reader’s biggest struggle right now?
2. If I could tell my reader one thing, what would it be?

Asking these two questions not only clarify my writing, but keep it focused. The less rabbit trails, the better. 😉

What other questions would you add to this list?

#writingcoach #amwriting #writeyourstory #writingonwednesdays
This man gives selflessly of his time, love and en This man gives selflessly of his time, love and energy and teaches me so much about what it means to serve others with a humble heart. Today is his birthday, and I’m grateful that I get to celebrate another year of his life! Happy birthday, Chris! 🎉💗 We love you so much.

#birthdaylove #43yearsyoung #birthdaywishes
I am a visual processor. It always helps ingrain t I am a visual processor. It always helps ingrain things in my mind to see them laid out this way. That’s why I’m my book, Shift, I included several charts similar to this one to help transform our mindset. To shift our focus from what’s seen to what’s unseen.

One of the beautiful truths I learned through writing is that we get to control our narrative. We may hear words that aren’t true and even say them to ourselves, but they don’t have to get the final say.

We can:

1. Speak what’s true out loud. Matthew 12:35 says the mouth speaks what the heart is full of, but the opposite is also true. Speaking truth gets it into our heart.

2. Set boundaries on the toxicity we let into our lives. Whether it’s people, the news, social media or tv, we control what goes in. And what goes in matters to our mental health.

3. Write it down. We saw the Jews do this in the OT. It is a tried and true method and it works. 

Our minds won’t transform by osmosis. Lord knows, I’ve tried this method and failed. 😅 The battle starts with claiming the truth. But my prayer is that eventually the Word will become like air in our lungs, the same way our Creator breathed life into us.

➡️ Learn more via link in bio.

#shiftbook #shiftyourmindset #hopewriters #authorsofinstagram #christianauthors #bookstagram
Ever have a deadline looming and feel completely u Ever have a deadline looming and feel completely unmotivated to write? 🙋🏻‍♀️ Sometimes procrastination is not an option. Here are a few tips that have been effective for me:

1. Read or listen to something inspirational. Often, this will give me a fresh perspective or angle on a topic that I hadn’t considered.

2. Pray about it and dedicate your writing to God. God is the author of creativity. His Spirit is an endless source of beauty, inspiration, and fresh fire.

3. Move around. A blank computer screen is not very inspiring, is it? Movement and blood flow can spark a brain that’s tired and foggy with fresh ideas. 

Whatever you do, come back to the page. Always. Even if you think the writing is garbage, you can always edit. 

#writingtips #writingonwednesdays #writingcoach #keepgoing
I often forget that the middle of a new endeavor o I often forget that the middle of a new endeavor or opportunity is just as important as the beginning. When new beginnings and expectancy turn into endless days of the same, the transition can be grueling. Each day I must make the choice to get up and be present. I must be intentional about finding those new moments and opportunities for joy, even when they seem hidden.

While there are times in life when God calls us to leap or make a bold move for him, there are other seasons when he asks us to keep our feet firmly planted. In these seasons, our faith is stretched in different ways. 

Don’t let the messiness of the middle keep you from finishing the work God has for you. Keep looking for his presence in the details. Because one day, you will see the fruit he brought forth from that place.

➡️ Adapted from my book, Shift

#bookstagram #shiftbook #shiftyourmindset #faithfulness
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 Abby McDonald | Design by The Design Diva | Development by MRM | Privacy Policy

LET’S STAY CONNECTED

Subscribe to receive my latest posts via email.
As a thank you, I’ll send you a free PDF download of “The Daughter’s Manifesto.”