Are We One?
“I believe unity within the Body of Christ is God’s greatest desire for the church, and I am highly committed to promoting unity within my local fellowship.”
How would you respond to the question above? Strongly agree? Somewhat agree? Neutral? Somewhat disagree? Strongly disagree?
“I believe unity within the Body of Christ is God’s greatest desire for the church, and I am highly committed to promoting unity within my local fellowship.”
How would you respond to the question above? Strongly agree? Somewhat agree? Neutral? Somewhat disagree? Strongly disagree?
Before we answer too quickly, let’s consider passages like John 17:20-23, Romans 15:1-6, Ephesians 4:1-32, and Philippians 2:1-11.
Scripture shows us the high priority Jesus placed on unity. Do we value it as He does? How would we describe unity in our own sphere of influence?
It’s more than not complaining about worship styles or interior decorating. Such things are stylistic and preferential. In no way do they describe the kind of doctrinal truths we ought to “go to the mat” over. But when it comes to the finer points of life in the Body, these peripheral issues are the ones we often focus on.
It’s also more than overlooking an offense when conflict arises (Proverbs 19:11). Promoting unity may involve following Jesus’ lead when He “committed himself to God who judges justly” rather than answering His accusers (1 Peter 2:23). It may mean going privately to a brother or sister who has offended us (Matthew 18:15-21).
Unity also does not mean uniformity. Our infinitely creative God fashioned each of us with distinctive features and designed us to function together. I love the metaphor given to us of a physical body. 1 Corinthians 12 develops for us the individuality and cooperation necessary for the body to function.
The apostle Paul’s admonition to “make every effort” (Ephesians 4:1-6) towards peace underscores the commitment that ought to drive us.
What role does unity play in a culture like ours where churches are “shopped for” in the same manner as a new car or home? Or where relationships are acquired and cast-off like clothing?
When Christ looks at us today, how would we measure up in answer to His prayer – our oneness “so that the world will believe that you (God) sent me” (John 17:21)?
