The Power of Agreement

‘Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven’ - Matthew 18:19

Agreement can be explained to be when two or more people have a common purpose or set to do something together. These people are of one mind and have committed their individual energy, resources or ability to the achievement of the purpose in question.

The principle of agreement is a spiritual one and has been used over the ages both as a force for good and evil. We will look at this topic under the following headings:

• Types of Agreement
• The Effect of Agreement
• The Christian and the Power of Agreement

Types of Agreement

There are different types of agreements, however for the purpose of this study we will stick to the ones that affect our walk with God. The first indication of agreement we get in Scripture is during creation where we see God saying ‘And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness...’ - Genesis 1:26. This was a reference to the Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit). In agreement, they created everything and all things. Every decision of heaven is made by the Trinity acting as one. The book of Genesis chapter 11 tells us about another type of agreement, an attempt by the people of that time to build a structure that would reach to heaven. They would have succeeded if God had not brought confusion into their midst to stop them. Clearly, their agreement did not have God’s blessing. It is therefore possible to agree for a selfish or ungodly purpose and also for a good one.

The Effect of Agreement

There is a multiplier effect in agreement. In spiritual matters, the resulting output is greater than can be imagined. The Bible tells us that ‘How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?’ - Deuteronomy 32:30.

The Bible shows another example of the effect of Christians united when Peter was imprisoned, ’Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him’ - Acts 12:5. As a result, Peter was miraculously freed by an angel. Conversely, we are also asked, ’Can two walk together except they be agreed?’ - Amos 3:3. Obviously, disagreement will result in the death of a declared purpose. As children of God, the Bible says we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood and a holy nation. Our lives are supposed to show off the praises of God. This is our purpose. Is it any wonder that the enemy tries to thwart this purpose? He sows seeds of discord between Christians. He brings division between husband and wife in areas such as finances, bringing up their children etc. He causes misunderstandings and strife among God’s people. Why does he do this? He knows the Scriptures and he knows that two cannot walk together except they be agreed; he knows disagreements cause prayers to be hindered. For the devil, disagreement is a simple but effective tool. If he can manage to bring strife, it is a bonus for him as the people are too busy fighting each other and therefore cannot see the real enemy. It then goes without saying that their common goal or set objective or God’s purpose for them will also go largely unfulfilled.

The Christian and the Power of Agreement

Having seen how powerful agreements can be; how can we as Christians foster Godly agreement that can align us with God’s will and bring His purposes for our lives to pass?

First, we need to realise that to achieve complete union or agreement with God, we need to forsake or deal with the issues God is pointing our attention to as individuals. God is asking some people to forsake some ungodly friendships, certain lifestyles etc.

He says ‘Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God’ - James 4:4.  The words adulterers and adulteresses do not only refer to sexual sins, it also refers to Christians who stay partly with God and partly with the world.

Secondly, we all need to be watchful to know when Satan is trying to stir things up. We must not be ignorant of his devices. Ask God for grace not to be drawn into strife. Scripture says ‘And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient …’ - 2nd Timothy 2:24.

Remain blessed and highly favoured.
Titi Obishai (Mrs).