These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. (Matt 10:2-4). 

Unity is a crucial element in the life of the church-especially among its leadership. A unified church can accomplish great things for Christ, but disunity can cripple or destroy it Even the most orthodox churches aren't immune to disunity's subtle attack because it often arises from personality clashes or pride rather man doctrinal issues. 

God often brings together in congregations and ministry teams people of vastly different backgrounds and temperaments. That mix produces a variety of skills and ministries, but it also produces the potential for disunity and strife. That was certainly true of the disciples, which, included an impetuous fisherman (Peter), two passionate and ambitious "sons of thunder" (James and John), an analytical, pragmatic, and pessimistic man (Philip), a racially prejudiced man (Bartholomew), a despised tax collector (Matthew), a political Zealot (Simon), and a traitor (Judas, who was in it only for the money and eventually sold out for. thirty pieces of silver). 

Imagine the potential for disaster in a group like that! Yet their common purpose transcended their individual differences, and by His grace the Lord accomplished through them what they never could have accomplished on their own. That's the power of spiritual unity! 

 As a Christian, you're part of a select team that is accomplishing the world's greatest task: finishing the work Jesus began. That requires unity of purpose and effort. Satan will try to sow seeds of discord, but you must do everything possible to heed Paul's admonition to be "of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose"" (Phil. 2:2)  
--
 

Helping people live life with Jesus everyday,