More than ever, we must remind ourselves of the importance of unity among the brethren. Discord creates a breach in –what should have been –the impregnable fortress of the church. In these last days, the advancement of the gospel of Christ rests on the church’s ability to take it to the world. If we are too busy fighting one another, how then can we fulfill the Master’s plan?
The fundamentals
To understand the matter of unity of the church, we must understand the things that unite us. First of all, we are united in faith in Jesus. The common belief in Jesus as the Son of God and the Savior of mankind who died, was buried, and resurrected to life, is the backbone of Christianity. It is the common factor among all believers, irrespective of their denomination. (Gal. 3:26-28)
The Spirit unites us. The Bible tells us that we have been made to drink of the same Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13). It is the same Spirit that rose Jesus from the grave that dwells in every believer. He is the One that sustains the church by giving us the words to say, teaching us all things, and comforting us in all our troubles (Lk.12:11-12; Jn. 14:16-17,26).
The Holy Spirit breaks through barriers to facilitate unity. Recall on the day of Pentecost, the very first time the Holy Spirit came in full force to earth, the apostles were prophesying in foreign languages. The division caused by language barrier was bridged and eventually, at least three thousand people were saved that day (Acts 2: 1-41). In another incidence, the bible tells us of Gentiles, including the slaves and free, speaking in other tongues (Acts 10:23-48). There is no discrimination or division with the Spirit of God. With Him, it is One Spirit, One people: unity.
The issue of bias
Bias creates division. When a certain group of people feel cheated or discriminated against, naturally there comes a divide.
The beauty of the saving power of Jesus is that it doesn’t discriminate. There is no special preference based on ethnicity, race, gender, age, or social status (Gal. 3:27-29). His sacrifice was once and for all.
However, it is quite unfortunate that believers have adopted a system of bias among themselves. Apostle James made it clear that preferential treatment should not be given to anyone, especially on matters of financial capacity (Jam. 2:1-9). We must remember that God places no such division (Rom. 2:11). The scripture tells us in 1 Corinthians 12:25 that there should be no divisions amongst us, but we should have the same care for one another.
“That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.”
1 Corinthians 12:25 KJV
The concept of unity in the church is incomplete without love. For other groups and in other scenarios, being united may not require love. But in the gathering of believers, love is vital. It binds everything up in harmony (Col. 3:14). A united family is a family where love abounds. Many times, there will be situations that call for disagreement but if we uphold the Christly love we received, those disagreements would not graduate into disputes and discord. We are to bear one another –that is, be patient with others’ weaknesses –in love (Col. 3:13; Eph. 4:2). We can only maintain the unity of the Spirit when we let love have its work.
Summarily, we can uphold unity in the church of God by going back to the basics. When we are clear on our fundamental beliefs, realizing they bind us tightly more than individual differences, unity would come easily. Also, the acknowledgment of the Holy Spirit makes it easier because naturally when He is involved, dividing barriers are removed. Finally, love plays a critical role in keeping the unity of the church.
We must have it etched on our minds that we are members of one body: the body of Christ (Rom. 12:25). For us to work together progressively, advancing the kingdom agenda we must be in unity.
“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”
Amos 3:3 KJV
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