Come Together In Unity

 Our city is one of the host sites for the World Cup. Teams from several countries have been here already, with more to come. I’ve enjoyed watching the fan events prior to the matches. It’s something to see thousands of people coming together to cheer for their team and country, with all their attendant traditions.

 

I’ve written before about unity but the enthusiasm of the World Cup fans brings it back to mind again. There’s something contagious about their enthusiasm and their solidarity. I’m sure if you sat down with a group of them and asked, they would probably admit that they had very different opinions about a multitude of topics. All those differences are put aside for the most important thing – their support for team and country.

 

Would that Christianity today have such unity and enthusiasm! The witness to the world would be fantastic! Unfortunately, there is no lack of discord amongst Christians. This isn’t a new problem – it existed even in the early days of the Church. Several of Paul’s letters included admonitions about disunity of one form or another (see 1 Corinthians 1:10 and Philippians 4:2).

 

When we think of Christian unity, many of us probably think first about denominational differences.  A greater cause of disunity in the Church is the conflict that goes on within individual congregations. This is the level at which we can make a difference. 

Unity doesn’t just occur naturally. Our human tendencies and the efforts of Satan to discredit the Church work against it. That is why Paul told the Ephesians, “Make every effort (emphasis mine) to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).

 

What are some of the practical aspects of trying to achieve unity?

 

1. We’re all on the same team. We serve the same God and our service is more productive when we all work together. We don’t have to agree on everything but we shouldn’t let our disagreements blind us to the bigger picture. We’re told to…..“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2). 

 

 

2. Loose lips sink ships. James warns us, “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless” (James 1:26). Gossiping, spreading rumors, and any other kind of uncharitable talk have no place within the Church. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29).

 

3. It all belongs to God. Jesus gave us an example of servant leadership when He washed the feet of His disciples. We shouldn’t behave as if we owned a particular ministry. We are there by the call and grace of God, placed there to serve others. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).

 

4. Have a good attitude. If you wear your sunglasses inside, everything looks dark to you. If you have a negative attitude, everything seems wrong, everything seems bad. Paul tells us, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” (Ephesians 4:31). We can ask the Spirit to help us with our attitude.

 

5. We’re not perfect. Paul goes on to say, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). Don’t harp on others’ shortcomings, don’t hold a grudge, and don’t expect everyone to do everything the way you want (even if you are right!).

 

Jesus made it clear what He expects of us. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35). May we witness to the world by our love for one another, bringing us together in unity.