Unity

"I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our LORD Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." [1 Corinthians 1:10]

If you grew up with siblings, you have almost definitely been involved with family squabbles. Usually the quarrels within my family were over some unfairness that we perceived was happening. Generally the fallout did not last long before we were friends again! Sibling arguments and rivalry are normal, and can be a learning opportunity to map out the way in which we socialise and deal with disagreements in the future.

But, how many of us have ever experienced arguments and conflict within Church?

Why does this happen?

What causes it?

The church is a family, and like any family there are disagreements. There are personality clashes and differing opinions and ideas that won't work together. When each of us are convinced that our way is the right way or the only way, the clash can be permanent.

Despite being blessed with spiritual knowledge and spiritual gifts, the Corinthian church members quarrelled. The disunity was only a symptom of a much deeper problem: human wisdom and pride.

The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:10, appeals to the church to end their divisions and pleads with them to be united in their thoughts and purpose. He sets a high expectation for this church and all Christian churches: zero divisions! Because each of them are in Christ, Paul insists they live in unity. Unity in Christ means that we are not only in a relationship with Christ, but also with each other... whether we know it or not, like it or not, or feel like it or not! Since we are all members of one body, we need to live like it.

In our world today, division is everywhere; in society, in churches and within families. Yet, Paul's plea remains timeless. As believers we are called to be discerning, not divisive. Here, as in many other scriptures (e.g. Romans 14) Paul will clarify he is not demanding that everyone in the church agree. Nor is he teaching that believers can never disagree about something, only that they must reach unity. Disagreement does not have to mean division.

The Christian life is meant to be lived in fellowship with other believers in unity. We have a shared mission in spreading the good news of Jesus which is rooted in a shared faith, a common identity in Jesus, and a unified purpose to make, baptise and teach disciples. So, if we are divided over personal and preferred inclinations we will miss the opportunities God gives us every day to share the gospel with those around us.

Another important reason why we should not let division be among us is because it hinders our ability to grow and mature spiritually.

In Ephesians 4:3 Paul commands us to be: "eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

If there are divisions among us, we will not mature in the way God desires us to. Spiritual growth happens when believers are united as they gather and worship God.

Finally, perhaps the biggest reason why there should not be divisions among us is because it hurts our witness to the world, in revealing who God is.

In John 17:21 Jesus prayed for all those who follow Him to be united, to help the world believe who He is: the Son of God. So when there are divisions among us it hinders our ability to show the world who God is, and what He is like - the perfectly united Triune God.

Paul calls us to develop a strong sense of unity despite our differences. Our goal is to consider the things that unite us: our sanctification, our enriched understanding, and our eternal hope. They all centre around Jesus. He is the source of our unity.

Christian unity is a high call and a hard call, and in fact, it's impossible to achieve on our own. We need the help of the Holy Spirit to give us strength, guidance and wisdom. Unity is not about fulfilling our expectations, but about displaying the reality of the redeeming, sanctifying love of God.