01/11/2025
One Master, One Body: A Call for Pastors to Walk in Unity and Love
Pansin ko lang sa panahon ngayon, maraming pastor ang tila nakakalimot sa ibig sabihin ng “walking the talk.” We preach about love, humility, and unity, yet when disagreements arise, our actions don’t always reflect the message we bring to the pulpit. Instead of speaking in love and gentleness, some become defensive, harsh, and disrespectful, especially towards fellow pastors.
What’s happening, pastors? Why are we taking sides? Why have we allowed pride to take root among those who are called to shepherd God’s flock?
This division is heartbreaking because it contradicts the very heart of our Master, Jesus Christ. We are not called to build our own kingdoms or defend our personal opinions as if they were the gospel truth. We are called to serve one Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, who Himself modeled humility, love, and unity even in the face of betrayal and rejection. He did not separate Himself from His disciples despite their weaknesses; instead, He washed their feet. If our Master could humble Himself that way, why can’t we humble ourselves before one another?
It is painful to see pastors forgetting that the sheep are watching. The way we treat each other becomes a testimony, whether of Christ’s love or of our human pride. The church suffers when leaders fail to demonstrate the character of Christ. The younger believers lose trust, the flock becomes confused, and the name of Christ is dishonored. We must ask ourselves honestly: Aren’t we responsible enough to face the will of Christ in our leadership, ministry, and life? Do we not trust His plan enough to surrender our own egos? Are we still one body of Christ, or have we allowed our titles, differences, and pride to tear us apart?
Let us also remember this solemn truth, one day, we will all stand before Christ and give an account of how we have led His people. Every word we spoke, every decision we made, and every heart we influenced will be brought to light. Romans 14:12 (NIV) reminds us: “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” We cannot escape this moment of accountability. This should humble us and drive us to lead with sincerity, gentleness, and unity, knowing that it is Christ Himself who will evaluate the motives of our hearts.
But this message is not only a rebuke, it is also a call of love and hope. There is still time to return to the heart of ministry. There is still grace available for every leader who humbles himself before God and his fellow ministers. Let us not forget what the Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:2–3 (NIV):
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
This verse reminds us that unity does not happen automatically, it requires effort, humility, and love. When we choose to speak with gentleness instead of anger, when we choose understanding over judgment, and when we prioritize Christ’s glory over our own reputation, we become true shepherds of His flock.
Let us, therefore, return to our first calling, to serve, not to be served; to love, not to divide; to reflect Christ, not ourselves. The sheep need shepherds who walk with integrity, who lead with compassion, and who stand together as one under the Lordship of Christ.
May we all remember that we are servants of one Master, members of one body, and followers of one Lord. Let us rebuild bridges, restore respect, and renew our hearts in the presence of the One who called us, for we will one day face Him and give an account of how we have led His flock.
“One Master. One Body. One Mission, to love as Christ loved, for one day, we will stand before Him.”
With Love,
Shine
