“And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness” (Malachi 3:3, KJV).

ABSTRACT

The winds of change herald a profound spiritual reformation within the church, urging the community to cast off discord and embrace the Holy Spirit’s unifying power, transforming cacophony into symphony through purification, shaking away impurities to forge a united purpose that reflects divine love, ultimately calling each member to active participation in this divine imperative for harmony and collective witness.

CLARION CALL: A REFORMATION FOR UNITY

The winds of change are blowing, a clarion call echoing through the corridors of the church. A time for deep spiritual reformation has arrived, a moment to shed the dross of discord and embrace the unifying power of the Holy Spirit. Ellen G. White, in Testimonies to the Church (Vol. 8, p. 251), asserts that “the spirit of prayer will actuate every believer and will banish from the church the spirit of discord and strife.” This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a divine imperative. Like a refiner’s fire, this reformation will purify us, burning away the impurities that hinder our collective witness. Scripture further illustrates this imperative, as Paul urges, “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3, KJV). In addition, “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Philippians 2:2, KJV). The inspired pen reminds us, “Union is strength; division is weakness. When those who believe present truth are united, they exert a telling influence. Satan well understands this. Never was he more determined than now to make of none effect the truth of God by causing bitterness and dissension among the Lord’s people” (Testimonies for the Church, 236, 1889). Moreover, a passage from Testimonies for the Church reveals, “The unity that exists between Christ and His disciples does not destroy the personality of either. They are one in purpose, in mind, in character, but not in person. It is thus that God and Christ are one” (Testimonies for the Church, 239, 1901). I remember a time when I felt so disconnected from my fellow community members, lost in a sea of differing opinions and petty squabbles. It was through fervent prayer that I rediscovered the common ground of our faith, the love that binds us together as children of God. This personal experience mirrors the larger call for unity within the church. We, as a community, must embrace this spirit of prayer, allowing it to dissolve the barriers that separate us, which raises the question of how an orchestra of souls can shift from discord to harmony.

CAN HARMONY REPLACE THE CACOPHONY?

Imagine an orchestra tuning up. Individual instruments sound discordant, a cacophony of noise. But then, the conductor raises their baton, and the music begins. Individual sounds blend into a harmonious symphony. This is the picture of the church after reformation. As we draw closer to God and to one another, the discord fades, replaced by a beautiful harmony. Psalm 133:1 proclaims, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” This verse isn’t just poetic; it’s a promise. It speaks to the joy and power that comes from a united body among us. Like the refining process described in Isaiah 1:25, where God “will purely purge away thy dross,” this reformation will cleanse us, removing the “tin” of selfishness and pride that hinders our unity. The Bible also supports this vision, declaring, “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10, KJV). Furthermore, “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness” (Colossians 3:14, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, “Unity is the sure result of Christian perfection” (Testimonies for the Church, 242, 1904). In addition, a prophetic voice once wrote, “In unity there is a life, a power that can be obtained in no other way. There will be a vast power in the church when the energies of the members are united under the control of the Spirit” (Testimonies for the Church, 191, 1909). We have all experienced moments of division, whether in our families, our workplaces, or even within the church. But I believe, with all my heart, that through prayer and submission to God’s will, we can overcome these divisions and experience the sweet harmony of true Christian fellowship, prompting us to consider what role the shaking and sifting play in separating wheat from chaff.

WHY ENDURE THE SHAKING TURMOIL?

The reformation process is not always easy. It involves a shaking, a sifting, a separation of the wheat from the chaff. Like the winnowing fork in Matthew 3:12, this process can be uncomfortable, even painful. But it is necessary. Sr. White warns that “discord and strife existed even within the reformation group at its inception, and it will remain until the company is fully cleansed” (Testimonies to the Church, Vol. 5, p. 80). This reminds me of the struggles I’ve faced in my own spiritual journey. There have been times when I’ve clung to old habits, to ways of thinking that hindered my growth. But through trials and introspection, I’ve come to realize that these “shakings” are actually acts of love, designed to refine me, to make me more like Christ. Scripture reveals further depth to this purification, stating, “And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain” (Hebrews 12:27, KJV). Moreover, “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (2 Timothy 2:19, KJV). In Selected Messages we read, “A revival and a reformation must take place, under the ministration of the Holy Spirit. Revival and reformation are two different things. Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resurrection from spiritual death. Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices” (Selected Messages Book 1, 128, 1958). A passage from Testimonies for the Church reminds us, “A reformation is needed among the people, but it should first begin its purifying work with the ministers. It should work among the leaders, and extend to the lay members” (Testimonies for the Church, 197, 1880). We, as a church, must understand that these challenges are not meant to discourage us, but to purify us, to prepare us for the work ahead, leading us to wonder how a united purpose can become a force for truth.

WHAT POWER AWAITS UNITED PURPOSE?

Once the purification is complete, the church will emerge as a unified force, a beacon of truth in a world shrouded in darkness. Zephaniah 3:9 speaks of a time when God will turn to the people a “pure language,” enabling them to “serve him with one consent.” This “pure language” is not just about words; it’s about a unity of heart and mind, a shared commitment to God’s will. Like the early church described in Acts 4:32, where the community was “of one heart and of one soul,” we too will be united in purpose, ready to carry the message of salvation to the world. I’ve witnessed the power of unity in action. When we work together, putting aside our differences and focusing on the common goal of sharing the Gospel, amazing things happen. Revealing its strength clearly, Scripture emphasizes, “That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:6, KJV). In addition, “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, “As we approach the last crisis, it is of vital importance that harmony and unity exist among the Lord’s instrumentalities. The world is filled with storm and war and variance. Yet under one head—the papal power—the people will unite to oppose God in the person of His witnesses. This union is cemented by the great bond of apostasy. This confederacy will become more and more compact. What is to be the strength of God’s people? Union among themselves, and with their Leader” (Testimonies for the Church, 182, 1902). Moreover, in The Adventist Home we read, “The cause of division and discord in families and in the church is separation from Christ. To come near to Christ is to come near to one another. The secret of true unity in the church and in the family is not diplomacy, not management, not a superhuman effort to overcome difficulties—though there will be much of this to do—but union with Christ” (The Adventist Home, 179, 1952). We become a force for good, a light shining in the darkness, which invites the inquiry of how this entire process reflects God’s love.

HOW DOES LOVE DRIVE REFORMATION?

God’s love is the driving force behind this entire process of reformation and unity. He desires a church that reflects His character, a people who are united in love and purpose. As Sr. White states, “The Lord is seeking to purify and refine His church, that it may be a praise in the earth” (Testimonies to the Church, Vol. 5, p. 80). This purification, though sometimes painful, is an act of love. Like a loving parent disciplining their child, God corrects us, not to harm us, but to help us grow and become the best versions of ourselves. The “shaking” and “sifting” are not signs of His anger, but rather evidence of His desire to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He wants us to be a people who are fully aligned with His will, a people who can effectively share His love with the world. The Bible also highlights this love, affirming, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35, KJV). Furthermore, “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God” (1 John 4:7, KJV). A prophetic voice once wrote, “The religion of Christ will unite in close brotherhood all who accept its teachings. It was the mission of Jesus to reconcile men to God, and thus to one another” (The Great Controversy, 47, 1911). In addition, through inspired counsel we are told, “Nothing can perfect unity in the church but the spirit of Christlike forbearance. Satan can sow discord; Christ alone can bind the members together in love” (Review and Herald, August 12, 1884). This is the ultimate expression of His love – to purify us, unify us, and empower us to be His witnesses, naturally leading to the question of how we can embrace this change through a call to action.

READY TO EMBRACE THE CHANGE?

This call for reformation and unity is not just for some distant future; it’s for us, here and now. It’s a call to each of us to examine our own hearts, to identify the areas where we need to grow and change. It’s a call to lay aside our pride, our prejudices, and our petty differences, and to embrace the spirit of unity that Christ desires for His church. I challenge each of you to ask yourselves: What can I do to contribute to the unity of the church? How can I be a part of this great reformation? Let us answer this call with a resounding “Yes!” Let us allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, to cleanse us, to unify us, and to empower us to be a light to the world. Scripture urges action in this regard, commanding, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22, KJV). Moreover, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works” (Hebrews 10:24, KJV). A passage from Testimonies for the Church reminds us, “Every church should labor for the perishing within its own borders and for those outside also. The members are to shine as lights amid the moral darkness. Each individual member is responsible for the prosperity of the church” (Testimonies for the Church, 40, 1901). In addition, Sr. White wrote, “The work of God in this earth can never be finished until the men and women comprising our church membership rally to the work and unite their efforts with those of ministers and church officers” (Testimonies for the Church, 145, 1909). We are all on this journey together, and by God’s grace, we will emerge from this time of reformation stronger, more unified, and more effective in our service to Him.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into the truths of reformation and unity, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these themes of purification and harmony to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about church shaking and unity in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of reformation and God’s unifying love?