In The Master's Service

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HOW GOOD AND HOW PLEASANT

Elder Mark Green

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dewll together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1).

Notice that the psalmist does not say, "It is good for brethren to dwell together," but he says, "How good it is!" That is emphatic language. It teaches us that unity is a precious jewel that is much to be desired. It is a superlative condition. Few experiences we can have upon this earth surpass the pleasure of living among our brethren in peace and unity.

Notice also that the writer does not say that it is pleasant to dwell together in tolerance. Tolerance has its place, but it is not always a virtue, depending upon the nature and degree of the thing being tolerated. These brethren dwell together in unity. They are of one mind. They are agreed. Whatever friction there may be among them is not brought on by differing opinions. Our text also implies that this is a unity which is freely accomplished. No party to it has been forced into a unity of subjection. A compulsory unity is neither good nor pleasant, but is the essence of tyranny. These brethren are together because they want to be together. They dwell together because it is a pleasant and beneficial experience for them all.

This is an Old Testament text, but it teaches a principle that absolutely is applicable to the New Testament church. We compel no one to be a member of the church; indeed, if we thought they were joining the church under a feeling of compulsion, we would not receive them. Those who join us do so freely, and given the Old Baptists' tendency to be very particular about our doctrine and practice, there is no reason to join us unless they are agreed; indeed, if they were not agreed in the major points, they would not long be with us.

The church was designed to be a place of goodness and spiritual pleasure for God's people. Therefore, it was designed to be a place of unity. Without the latter, we will not experience the former.