The Nature and Importance of Christian Unity
Psalm 133:1, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"
Let me begin by pointing out the importance of Christian unity. It is important that we have unity in order to keep our eyes, and our hearts focused upon the Lord and building His church. The alternative is disunity and destroying each other and God's holy work done through the local church. Churches are not destroyed from the outside, they are cannibalized from the inside by people who pursue selfish desires rather than striving to maintain peace. We are commanded in Psalm 34:14 and in 1 Peter 3:11 to seek peace. We are to seek Christian unity, not just unity. It is what distinguishes the people of God. 1 John 3:14 states, "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death."
The nature of Christian unity might be described as follows:
1 – It’s A Unity Of Belief
Christian unity has its roots in a belief system, a belief that the Bible is the Word of God and the only authority for all faith and practice. Those that believe that they can make it up as they go or that it does not matter what they believe will never know Christian unity. It is easier to rally around those that have the same beliefs. God knew that we could never accomplish that for ourselves, so He gave us the beliefs we are to have. When we get our beliefs right, our unity will be right.
2 – It’s A Unity Of Purpose
We should have two great overarching purposes in relation to Christian unity. We should seek to glorify God in all we do and obey His will. What is your purpose today? When we get our purpose right, our unity will be right.
3 – It’s A Unity Of Effort
This is commonly called being on the same page. The attitude that you can march to a different drummer will keep you from Christian unity. We are not all the same, but we must all work for the same thing, to please and glorify God. When every member of the Church has that goal, there will be Christian unity. Christian unity is beautiful!!! May we strive to pursue Christian unity by maintaining a unified belief in the sole authority of Scripture, a unity of purpose to glorify God and obey His will, and a unity of effort, marching forward in one accord. Have a great day walking in Christian unity.
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
Ponder & Meditate
1. Why is it important that we have good Bible teaching and preaching in our churches?
2. What would you identify as your greatest purpose? Do others in your church have that same purpose?
3. Are you part of a working team in your church? How do you see the various parts of your church working together with a common purpose?