United We Stand, Divided We Fall 

The phrase "divide and conquer" appears early in the Bible. In Genesis 11, at the Tower of Babel, humanity was united in purpose but driven by pride. Together, they sought to make a name for themselves, reaching the heavens without God. The outcome? The creation of languages—not as a blessing, but as a barrier. A divider that scattered people and disrupted their shared ambitions. Fast-forward to today: misunderstanding, suspicion, and division still afflict us. We see it in churches, workplaces, and even within families. Why? Because when communication breaks down, unity collapses, and with it, so does our impact.

From Barrier to Bridge

However, the same God who scattered people by creating languages at Babel reverses the curse at Pentecost (Acts 1–2). Through the Holy Spirit, languages become bridges instead of barriers. The good news transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries. What was once a tool of division becomes a vehicle of unity. 

Even more remarkable is Jesus’ heartfelt prayer in John 17, where the unity of His followers is the main request. Unity, He states, will serve as a powerful testimony to the world—a proof of God’s truth. This vision is reflected in Paul’s analogy of the body of Christ: 

“He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ’s followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ’s body, the church, until we’re all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God’s Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ. (..) We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other.  Eph 4:11-16 (The Message).

What a stunning image—an interconnected, Spirit-led body, moving with elegance, strength, and purpose. 

An Ordinary Body with an Extraordinary Calling

The body of Christ includes everyday people, workers and professionals from various sectors, as well as business owners and leaders, and those serving in traditional church roles. But whether in pulpits or on the streets, in office meetings or around dinner tables, this body is moving. It’s alive and active across borders, cultures, and generations.

Christ, the Head, leads this body. And when we are united, we are capable of extraordinary things. But this is not just teamwork—it’s Spirit-led collaboration. A holy rhythm guided by divine purpose.

The Kingdom Agenda: A Key to Collaboration 

When we gather, inviting the Holy Spirit into our collaboration, it’s vital that we approach with a Kingdom mindset—a purpose greater than ourselves. Having a Kingdom agenda means:

  • Letting go of personal ambition. 

  • Refusing to judge others by their usefulness to our project. 

  • Bringing what we have—our gifts, calling, and resources—to God’s table. 

  • Remaining open, curious, and expectant about what the Spirit wants to do. 

We should have no hidden agendas. Instead, we ask what God wants. Then we start seeing the people around us not as competitors, but as sisters and brothers God has given us to work with. 

Sometimes the Spirit prompts challenge or correction. Sometimes vision. We should always listen carefully and act on what he asks us to do. 

Take the Risk. Trust the Spirit. 

Spirit-led collaboration means showing your heart. It means taking the risk of vulnerability.

We can ask: 

  • Can I be trusted? 

  • Do I listen attentively to those around me and the Spirit? 

  • Am I receptive to surprises and willing to let go of control?

John 3:8 says, “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.” 

That’s what it’s like to follow the Spirit. Like sailing, you position yourself, stay alert, feel the breeze, and when the wind comes, you catch it. 

God invites every ordinary person with an ordinary job to an extraordinary purpose. Like Paul the tentmaker, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be ambassadors of God’s Kingdom. Acts 1:8 promises. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.”

Led by the Spirit, we are confident in our purpose, supported through trials, and empowered to serve. When believers unite with a Kingdom mindset, the outcome exceeds strategy or planning. It becomes divine synergy—God’s pleasure made visible. 


From the Heart of a Tentmaker


Previous
Previous

When Culture Clashes with the Cross

Next
Next

Sent but Not Strangers