Unity

“Unity = a state of being one, a single entity; oneness; the state of being combined with others to form a greater whole; and last, as state of being a 

complete or harmonious combination of elements” (Dictionary definition)

Let me start off by saying that, in general, I abhor politics, however, I love their usefulness as inspiration for editorial lessons such as this one today.  For our political example, the disunity seen in our recent Presidential election.  Now that it’s over, wouldn’t it be nice and advantageous to have “unity” in our country?  I, for one, think that would be good to have.

Hopefully you noticed in the definitions of “unity” provided above that all of them can and do fit two categories.  One being the country and the other being the “Church.”  And especially being cognizant of the importance in both categories.

I think that it’s pretty easily seen how harmony is advantageous to either category.

But, the gist of my thoughts today is “unity’s” application to the Church.  So, in that regards, let’s get on with the lesson and I’ll begin by citing a couple of scripture references that address not only the importance of “unity,” but also what is required to achieve it.

The first reference is found in Eph. 4:1-3 (ESV) and I’d like you to notice there that Paul is “urging” Christians “to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” 

The first thing I’d like you to notice is the aim of his “urging.”  The “maintaining of the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”  But also take note of what it takes to “maintain” that “unity.”  It takes “humility.”  It takes “gentleness.”  It takes “patience” and it takes “bearing (enduring) with one another in love.”

As we read those things, don’t you get the idea that God knows that we are all individuals?  That we possess various and different personalities?   In other words, that we’re human beings?  Which is why “unity” on the part of any group or entity requires certain efforts on the part of its members.

My next scriptural reference is also from the 4th chapter of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.  Read with me verses 11-15: “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by eery wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.  Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, unto Christ.”

What that passage tells me is what we gain, both individually and as a body, by having this “unity.”  It “equips” us to do the work of the church, to wit: “making known to the world the manifold wisdom of God.”  (Eph. 3:10)   That “wisdom” was embodied in His Son, “Christ Jesus our Lord” and the salvation He brought to the world.  (Verse 11)  Point here is: a “united” body, the Church, can do this.  A “disunited” body cannot.

Let me wrap this up by looking at a great example of “unity” among disciples when the individual submits their various differences to the direction of the “head of the body.” 

in Mark 3:14 we read where Christ “appointed twelve so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach.”  Starting in verse 16 He gives us the names of the twelve whom are identified as being His apostles.  It’s the make-up of this group that serves to teach us a lesson about “unity.”

Four of them were fishermen.  One was a tax collector and as such was despised by his fellow Jews because they viewed him a collaborator with the enemy - the Roman Empire.  Before being selected by Jesus, one of them, Simon the Zealot, was a devotee of a group of Jewish nationalists who wanted to overthrow the Romans.

So, here we have at least two of the twelve from opposite ends of the political spectrum.  Also we should note that 11 of them were Galileans and only Judas Iscariot was not.  That would be like mixing Northerners and Southerners in our country.  Plus, he was what we’d characterize as a businessman.  As we all know, he was also the “betrayer” of Christ.

Why we’re looking at this group as an example for our lesson today is that, despite all of the differences seen in these twelve individuals, we don’t see record of them bickering or fighting about them.  There can only be one answer to this and that is, they put aside their personal and political differences for the greater purpose of following Jesus. 

In other words, they had their eyes fixed on Him and their personal politics were set aside.  And that is where their, and our, “unity” lay - in Jesus Christ.

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.”  (Psa. 133:1)

Respectfully submitted,

Ron Covey