During a study I came across a great definition of unity as “all members of one body working in cooperation.” Interesting that this definition doesn’t say one things about thinking the same way. I have found that we all have different ideas of how to get to the destination we are all care deeply about. In times past I have found that barriers like our personal desire replaces cooperation, falsehood replaces truth, or assumptions replace seeking to understand. It is gloriously magnificent when the people lay aside their desires for the good of the whole. This is true spiritual victory.

I believe we move toward spiritual success when we defeat the enemy through laying down the groundwork of trust, humility and grace. Great teams are built on this bedrock foundation of strong character and churches thrive, even in the hardest times.

During this difficult financial time we must ask ourselves, “Who are we?” I believe we are defined as we are refined. We either develop into people of faith where trust, humility and grace thrive or we move inward toward our own desires and become people of fear where distrust and pride grow.

I am deeply thankful for each of you, because I believe that we are transforming into people of faith. Move forward friends. Dive into God’s love. His heart beats wildly for us. He has only our best in mind.