The last few days I’ve been talking about this principle: mission flows from listening.

My new friend here in Denver, Phil Koneman, sent me the following email that articulates a related principle: unity also flows from listening to God’s voice. And, this unity, according to Jesus, is key to reaching the lost. It’s in our CO2s that we first get to practice this principle.

Phil wrote…

“(Here’s) a quote that applies to CO2 and seeking a corporate unity in hearing God’s voice so that we may reach the nations:

“The loss of intimacy with God invariably leads to the loss of unity among believers. Unity rests on the foundation of hearing God’s voice and following His present priorities for our lives. Jesus prayed for the unity of believers so that the world would know that the Father sent Jesus and loves the church (John 17:23). Without unity the church will never have credibility in the world or have power to fulfill its ministry.” Jack Deere, Surprised by the Power of the Holy Spirit, p. 152.

What strikes me about this quote is the necessity of hearing God’s voice and following His leading to the unity of the church – CO2 is the most fundamental expression of unity!”

Thanks, Phil!

John