As followers of Jesus Christ, we have a tendency to get excited about a wide variety of things. It may be a specific doctrine such as the atonement, predestination, baptism, etc. It may be aspects of church life such as teaching, giving, or missions. It may be specific family-related issues. It may be cultural happenings or political events. We get excited about all sorts of stuff.
The one thing that I don't hear much excitement about is the unity of the body of Christ. Specifically, I haven't ever heard much talk about the importance Christ's church as a whole. Usually the conversation is relegated to how critical it is for local bodies to be united. While that is important, I believe it is equally important that all believers everywhere live as Christ demanded: as one.
I've heard of something called The World Council of Churches. This organization, among other things, strives for unity among believers. That's fine, but in this post I'm seeking something beyond an organization. I'm hoping for a movement in the church toward unity. My desire is to see Christians everywhere desire, talk about, seek out, and behave in such a way that brings about unity.
I appreciate John Armstrong's blog because he discusses unity on a regular basis. I don't agree with all he says, but it's a blog worth reading.
Please let me be clear: I'm not talking about sacrificing doctrine. Rather, I'm hoping for an embrace of a long ignored doctrine: the oneness of Christ's family. We generally act as if Jesus has given us an option here. He hasn't. Our Lord has told us what he expects. It is clear in the New Testament in both the gospels and epistles that Jesus demands unity.
Let's remember that Jesus demands what is ultimately good for us. He wants us to have sweet fellowship within the church. Christ does this for his glory and for our good. Therefore, let's embrace unity as Jesus expects. It is a source of great joy. Now that's something to get excited about!
4 comments:
yay!! :) Unity!
for unity, I have given up facebook except once a week.
a lot less talking and thinking a lot more serving.
a lot less arguing a lot more loving in real life.
There was a great great article in Christianity today this month - the global gospel project article.
P.S. I really am convinced that the way God is going to bring unity in Christ is by calling christians to stop only gathering with people weekly who are very similar to them..... but instead, to call people into relationships - true, real life relationship with the Christ followers He has around them by location - with the prerequisite being only that they are His children.
I see this in many 'parachurch' organizations/missions that welcome all denominations and it is beautiful.
I see it of course in my daily life away from all the systems.
I trust God knows exactly how to do this and He will do it!! :)
only He knows how many will follow Him though...because true relationships with people who are very different from us that try to find unity is a cross.
and we don't like crosses.
Eric,
That unity which we crave, is ONLY found "in Christ alone". The "unity" most organisations, religious or otherwise is not unity, it is uniformity.
ah! my first comment went incomplete....
I was trying to say there was a great article in CToday this month about unity!! really really encouraging and I enjoyed it! :)
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