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1997-11-19 - Unity in the Body
Lately I keep running into articles and Scripture passages about unity in
the body or Christ. It is a topic close to Christ's heart. Unity shows the
world Christ is from God. Unity builds up the body. Unity glorifies God.
Sometimes we need to take a stand. When something unScriptural is taking
place in our churches or other Christian groups, we need to stand on our
convictions. In fact, to not do so could be as much as condoning the unsound
practices or beliefs. But as I have said before, we must choose our battles
carefully. Think of all the effort and time that we spend fighting over the
non-essentials. That time could be spent witnessing, doing missions work,
serving God and fellowman.
Christ wanted His followers to be one, so unbelievers would know Christ was
from God.
(John 17:20-21 NKJV)I do not pray for these alone, but also for those
who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may
be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one
in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.
Paul admonished the believers in Corinth to avoid divisions, because we represent
Christ, and He is not divided.
(1 Cor 1:10-13 NKJV) "Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our
Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no
divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same
mind and in the same judgment. 11 For it has been declared to
me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe's household, that there
are contentions among you. 12 Now I say this, that each of you
says, "I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos," or "I am of Cephas," or "I am
of Christ." 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you?
Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?"
When all parts of the church use their gifts, the body is built up into a
unified whole.
(Eph 4:11-13 NNAS) And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets,
and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12
for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building
up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity
of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to
the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
Our unity brings glory to God.
(Rom 15:5-6 NNAS) Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement
grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus,
6 so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
What kind of witness is it, when people see Christians tearing each other
apart? Who would want to be a part of that?
There are serious consequences for causing dissension, both now and in the
life to come:
(Gal 5:19-21 NKJV) Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are:
adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery,
hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions,
dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries,
and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in
time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom
of God.
Churches have literally split over insignificant issues. How it must grieve
the Father when this happens. So the next time you start to complain about
something, ask yourself some questions - is this really a vital issue, basic
to the faith? Could this cause division in the church / group?
Dear Lord, please help us to choose our battles wisely. Let us look to
You only as our Commander-in-Chief. Help us promote unity in Your church.
In Jesus' name, amen.
Jan
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