By David Faust
Unity is a lofty concept. At weddings we celebrate the bride and groom uniting as one in marriage. United is the first part of the USA’s name. The psalmist exclaimed that it is “good and pleasant . . . when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1).
Things get ugly, though, when division occurs. Petty squabbles hurt feelings, weaken families, and damage friendships. Polarizing ideological disagreements are ripping our nation apart. Denominational hairsplitting and rancorous church splits make it harder for non-Christians to believe our sermons about God’s love.
Are we willing to make Christian unity a personal goal? Practically speaking, how can we encourage the unity of God’s people? There is no “I” in team, so we shouldn’t be selfish. But there is an “I” in the middle of the word unity, so each of us should do our part.
Value Unity
Jesus valued unity. He prayed for his disciples to “be brought to complete unity” so that the world will believe in him (John 17:20-23).
Paul valued unity. He confronted his quarrelsome friends with a compelling vision: “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).
Thomas Campbell valued unity. In his Declaration and Address, he wrote that the Lord’s church is “essentially, intentionally, and constitutionally one,” and although local congregations meet in different places, “there ought to be no schisms, no uncharitable divisions among them.”
Unity makes the church more effective. First-century believers were at their best when they were “one in heart and mind” (Acts 4:32). “Foolish and stupid arguments” (2 Timothy 2:23) quench the Spirit’s fire, while serving together in love fans the flame. If we’re not united, we won’t be ignited.
Sacrifice for Unity
Someone said, “the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” The problem is, I tend to see my thing as the main thing! Without sacrificing truth, we must be flexible on minor issues—willing to surrender our personal preferences for the good of the body. In other words, unity requires personal sacrifice.
Romans 14 lays down practical principles for dealing with disputable matters on which believers hold different views:
• Remember who is in charge. “Each of us will give an account of ourselves to God” (v. 12).
• Build others up, don’t trip them up. Avoid creating “any stumbling block or obstacle” that hinders others in their relationship with Christ (v. 13).
• Let God shape your personal opinions, and respectfully stand up for what you believe (vv. 5, 16); but, when necessary, keep disputable opinions to yourself. “Whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God” (v. 22). Alexander Campbell wrote, “We do not ask [people] to give up their opinions, we ask them only not to impose them upon others. Let them hold their opinions; but let them hold them as private property.”
Ephesians 4:2-6 highlights core beliefs that unite us (including “one Lord, one faith, one baptism”) while also highlighting sacrificial attitudes like humility, gentleness, and patience. Unity is easier said than done; but if we say unity matters, let’s do something about it and “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Personal Challenge: What are you doing to promote, protect, model, and teach the unity of Christ’s body? Have you engaged in any divisive behavior you need to confess to the Lord? Is there an estranged brother or sister in Christ with whom you need to be reconciled? Are members of your local church more cohesive, collaborative, and united—or less so—because of your example and influence?
“There is no “I” in team, so we shouldn’t be selfish. But there is an “I” in the middle of the word unity, so each of us should do our part.” I love these statements, Mr. Faust! Thank you! Great article, as always!