“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me."
~ John 17:20-21 New Living Translation [Emphasis Added]
Hours before his Crucifixion, Jesus prayed for unity among his followers; then and forever.
Unfortunately, unity in the church is probably one of the biggest problem areas of the Christian walk. All you have to do is look around to see dozens of different churches, each one doing things a slightly different way. Baptist Churches, Bible Churches, Non-Denominational, Assembly of God, Charismatic, Lutheran; the list goes on and on. And that’s what’s wonderful about the Body of Christ; we’re all different parts of the same body. We are each unique, yet united in Christ. It’s our differences that make us effective. This is what the Apostle Paul was talking about in 1 Corinthians 12:12-26.
Diversity is good; as long as the Gospel is preached, and the church’s doctrine is sound. But the truth is, many churches today are born out of the shattered remains of a once unified congregation. It doesn’t take much to cause a church split these days: a difference of opinion; taste in music, or clothing; which Bible translation is best; evolution verses creation; dating verse courtship, etc. And I know from first hand experience that anything that tears apart the Body of Christ leaves its scars. Mistrust, resentfulness, broken relationships, and feelings of betrayal are some of the more common wounds a church split can inflict. (1 Timothy 6:3-5) Not to mention pushing people away from God—which is perhaps the most grievous wound of all.
Is it any wonder then, that one of the biggest marks against the church is our hypocrisy, when we openly attack our brothers and sisters over such petty things?
“I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.”
~ 1 Corinthians 1:10 New Living Translation (NLT)
God takes unity in the church very seriously. We are the Body of Christ; we have to be united in Him. This doesn’t mean we need to do everything the exact same way. But we don’t need to attack each other for doing things differently. (Romans 14:13)
However, we must test all things against God’s word so that we will not be deceived into following false doctrines. (1 Thessalonians 5:21) The Bible is our guide—our plumb line. If any doctrine is not found in the Bible, then it is not from God, and is to be avoided at all costs.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”
~ 2 Timothy 3:16 New Living Translation (NLT)
“Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.”
~ 2 Timothy 1:13-14 New Living Translation (NLT)
Test everything against God’s word; that’s what it’s there for. Don’t just accept whatever you’re told with out question—even pastors can be wrong. You need to look into what you’re being taught and examine it for yourself; test everything that is said, and make sure you are not being misled. You need to “Be like the Bereans.” (Acts 17:11)
“Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.”
“For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.”
~ 2 Timothy 4:2-4 New Living Translation (NLT)
“I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ.”
“Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed.”
~ Galatians 1:6-9 New Living Translation (NLT)
According to God, our response to people who stir up divisions within the church is to be swift and decisive. (Titus 3:10, Romans 16:17) God does not want a cancer to spread through His body (the church) and neither should we.
This is why it is so important for us to study God’s Word on our own. It helps prevent division and promotes unity and accountability within the Body of Christ. If the congregation is in the word, it keeps the pastor accountable. And if the pastor is in the word, he can spot the wolves among the sheep, and keep them from causing dissension in the church. Plus the sheep will be able to spot the wolves, too, and can keep themselves from being mislead through accountability with one another.
We’re a family—brothers and sisters in arms. We need to look out for each other, and help each other along. (Ecclesiastes 4:10)
So let us all strive for unity today. Let us remove this plank from our eye so we can help each other to grow in Christ—equipping one another to reach a world in desperate need of forgiveness. (Matthew 7:3-5)
“Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.”
~ Philippians 2:1-2 New Living Translation (NLT)
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