UNITY

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. (John 17:20–21, ESV)

As I look at these verses, I cannot help but wonder why the church doesn’t reflect Jesus’ prayer. After praying on his behalf, on to the disciples, finally pointing to those (including us) who would come to faith down through time, where did things go sideways. Looking around at people who claim to be believers, there isn’t a bigger picture of disunity that can be found. Not only are Christians divided along denominational lines, they are divided within their own fellowship. From the color of carpet to the style of music, believers can’t seem to get along. As I look at this passage, Jesus is clear, the world is watching. I do need to give a point of clarity here, a quote I heard somewhere, if not in my own head. This call is to “unity” not “uniformity”

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:9–10, ESV)

There will be distinct differences, enough so that John could see. I can hear the argument now, “that was different people groups”. Yes, and with different people groups will be varied styles of worship, culture and many other things. Not to mention that even arguing here is proving the point. Different people, different cultures, different times, all weaving together the fabric that is the church.

Okay, so what is my point, some may ask. I read social media, primarily to 1) keep up with my family and friends and 2) to follow various pastors, educators and others in the church. I have reached a point where I post a lot less, to the point of almost not sharing anything at all. What I see, among Christian circles is an ever widening divide. If someone doesn’t promote a political candidate or party, allow secondary things to happen different that other churches, even spend an inordinate amount of time focused on the ills of the world, while at the same time not dealing properly with the ills within the body, taking to any public forum (not always social media) to attempt to discredit the other, showing the exact opposite of what Jesus prayed for in the garden. (whew, probably not the best sentence and long, too). There has been a lot of name calling, finger pointing and soap box standing to the point where a watching world says, “who needs that”. It doesn’t matter if you have more degrees after your name than I have on the thermometer out on the patio. Doesn’t matter if you have been in church all your life or just recently came to faith. Doesn’t matter if you were raised in a “white” or “black” church. What matters is that at some point Jesus called, through the Holy Spirit, you believed and were adopted into the family of God. (See what I did there, connected the Trinity together, as one, yet distinct). The point is we, as Christians, need to lay down our differences and come together so a watching world can know that there is a God in heaven who sent his one and only Son.

I have so many rabbit holes I can run down here from playing morality police (not our job) to claiming that if we don’t vote a certain way, we can’t really be believers but, the article has to end at some point. I think Paul had some of this in mind, maybe not to the degree demonstrated here but, hopefully, the point can be taken, when he wrote the last part of his letter to the church in Rome. Be convinced but don’t be condescending. Lift up those who are weaker and don’t undermine the stronger. In other words, have a view but, don’t make it primary. I have read things from long, long time, well-educated and respected church leaders that make me want to just cry. There are things that, in the end, just won’t matter as much and the one thing that does will have been missed. Yes, there are injustices that need to be exposed and handled. But, read in Romans from chapter 12 on to the finish and ask God to forgive shortsightedness and begin praying for unity, not uniformity. Paul’s constant theme for believers was this oneness. In this, we can be known as Christ followers.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34–35, ESV)

For the sake of the kingdom and the work to which we are called, let us strive for unity.

In His Name,

Scott