We Can Achieve Biblical Unity

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” – Psalm 133:1 ESV

The Bible emphasizes the importance of “unity” and “oneness.” Unity with others is good and pleasant (Psalm 133:1). Unity is absolutely essential because the church is the “Body of Christ” (1 Cor 12:27), and a body cannot be in disunity or disharmony with itself. If disunity exists, it essentially ceases to be a body and becomes a disjointed group of individuals. Jesus’ plan for His church is people united in faith. This is not a mystery.
 
We begin with how we view ourselves within the body and how we view others; Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves,” addresses this issue. All disunity in the church can be traced back to the simple truth that too often we are selfish and consider ourselves better than others. Sadly, churches that experience disunity are in conflict and turmoil are generally filled with people looking to their own needs, desires, and ambitions. Such behavior is common among unbelievers, and not characteristics of those with the mind of Christ.

Worldliness, not godliness, is the hallmark of the dis-unified church. The way to unity according to Paul, is that we are to consider others’ needs before our own. In all modesty, humility, and lowliness of mind, we are to “be completely humble and gentle; patient bearing with one another in love’ (Eph 4:2). A church filled with such people cannot help but have peace, unity, and harmony. The truly humble person sees his own faults in light of the perfections of Christ; he does not seek to see the faults in others, but when he does, he speaks the truth in love and desires their sanctification, so they will be built up in the image of Christ. He sees his own heart and the corruption that lies hidden therein, along with impure motives and evil ambitions. But he does not seek to notice the errors, defects, and follies of others. He sees the depravity of his own heart and hopes charitably in the goodness of others and believes their hearts are purer than his.

If we are to be the “Covenant Community” that Pastor says we are, we must begin by seeing one another in the light of the cross. Fellow Christians are those for whom Christ died a horrible death so that He might exchange his righteous perfection for their sin (2 Cor 5:21). A church full of such people enjoying their “common salvation” will be a true biblical church unified in, and earnestly contending for, the “faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). How much longer will we demean, criticize, and defame those covered with the precious blood of Christ? The task before us is not to quarrel and demand our needs be met, but rather to reflect His grace and love to those who are also His, by His mercy. We can do this!

 

Submitted by Deaconess Irene Gardon


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