Unity in the Body (1)

 

Unity is a big word with a lot of meaning. I’m sure that most of us have either been part of a church split or know someone else who has been involved in one.  Many church splits seem to occur because of theological disputes, but I believe disagreements on doctrine are merely a smokescreen to cover up a more fundamental problem.  

I believe the main root or cause of disunity is the conflict of personalities. When people disagree it is the protracted struggle, clash or opposition between personalities, ideas, and interests of strong-willed individuals...

Churches split because of paint or carpet color. The songs we sing in worship, should the preacher just preach topical sermons or verse by verse through the bible.

A church split usually finds its roots in our passion to make ourselves – our needs, our opinions, our group, our goals, and our theology – the center of our egoistic pursuit. It is the “I” factor; the self-centeredness and individualistic mind-set that cause the separation. When we allow an attitude of self-centeredness to creep into our spirits we allow satan the opportunity to use us for his purposes, not God’s.

That’s why the Apostle Paul addressed this very situation in his letter to the Ephesians.
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”  Ephesians 4:1-3 (NIV)

Paul is concerned about the unity of the church in Ephesians, because he’s not there. As he makes the transition from his description of what God has done for us in the first half of his letter to how we need to respond to God’s work in our life in the second half of the letter, he begins by stressing the need for unity in the body as we apply these life principles.

In this passage, there are two very important principles that as first glance seem to be somewhat unrelated. But the more I looked at them, the more it became apparent that both of these principles work hand in hand to preserve unity in the church. You are loved!