Addressing Christian Unity

More space in the New Testament is devoted to the issue of human relationships than any other single issue. This gives us some idea as to the value God places on it. The idea of unity is not just a legalistic concept. It is an absolute essential for the community of faith.

Division begins at the most fundamental level--in the individual. Many of us are governed and motivated by the tyrannies of the past: painful memories of relationships which have gone sour. Hurtful things which have been said and done by others and the offense which we have taken, impacts our memories and, as a result, our current attitudes and behavior. This , in effect, causes the doubled mindedness spoken of by James (read James 1:2-8 in this light). The Scripture teaches "A double -minded man is unstable in all his ways" (James 1:8).

The conflicts of mind, values and actions which originate from the power of painful memories is so great that it affects every relationship that we have. As a result many marriages have been crippled, the family impacted and, ultimately, in many cases, divorce occurs.

A conflict in the heart will also encourage conflict in the church. Hebrews 12:15 teaches that bitterness will defile many. A person who has a backlog of pain will be very sensitive to the words and actions of others which he may perceive to be intentionally offensive, often taking offense when none is intended. Since people never like to suffer in silence when offense is taken it will be communicated. It is like a virus and will spread from person to person with many ultimately taking up the offense and divisiveness occurring.

Paul addresses the issue of unity in 1 Corinthians 1:10: "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."

The various forms in which division occurs in the Christian community have left us very vulnerable to the devices of Satan. One of his four primary modes of attack is as the accuser of the brethren: "Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and power of his Christ, for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accused them before our God day and night" (Revelation 12:12).

In the original, the word translated "accuser" is "katagoros." It has to do with a judicial procedure and means "to speak against others in a judgmental fashion." It is the root of our word "category" and taken literally means one who categorizes others, i.e. places others in little boxes where they have been clearly defined.

The Christian community has been severely fractured by judiciousness and sectarianism along theological, social, denominational, economic, experiential lines and too many other ways to mention. All of this has hampered and sterilized our testimony and effectiveness in evangelism and ministry.

We are never taught to sacrifice our ideals and principles of faith for expedential purposes. God does not require a union in which there are no differences among us. There is a vast difference between union and unity. Unity presupposes diversity. We have been called to unity. We cannot effectively combat the enemy when we have become his prey in one of his most basic strategies. God is calling us to healing and reconciliation in these difficult days.

Confess today: I choose to address every hurtful memory revealed in my life by the Holy Spirit through forgiveness. I choose to be reconciled with my enemies and to express the love of Jesus Christ in every relationship. I will bridge differences and disagreements with compassion and understanding without compromising my beliefs.

"As we have, therefore, opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10).

May you be blessed this day as you walk in unity.

Jeff

• Jefferson H. and Norma R. Floyd, CO-directors • Jubilee International • P. O. Box 572 • Noblesville, IN 46061