United We Stand

The Church can be so diverse in its beliefs, that it becomes divisive and ineffective. Thus, Jesus calls us to unify around the truth. He is the truth and He states very clearly, “But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself” (John 12:32). Belief in the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ brings Christians together in grateful worship.

Does your church believe in the basic tenets of the Christian faith? The inerrancy of the Bible, salvation by grace through faith, that heaven is real and hell is hot, the deity of Christ and His second coming are all bedrock beliefs. Yes, there will be tangential issues that distract us from time to time, but we can learn to live with our differences and unite around the essentials—all with grace, love, patience, respect and understanding.

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Colossians 3:14).

What about governments that dispute to the point of irreconcilable differences? Can they divorce from each other’s ideologies and go on their merry way? Of course not. But, if they choose to abandon communication and respect for one another, then they choose the chronic course of division and the ultimate demise of democracy’s effectiveness.

Does your work and home have common values that are espoused and executed? When work associates and family members agree upon the behaviors of honesty, accountability, honor, teamwork and transparency—all with a focus on Christ as the head, then there is a high probability for unity. We cannot stand alone, but together we will conquer as Christ did— sin, sorrow, Satan, death and hell. Unify around what’s right and watch God work.

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:7).

What relationship do I need to find common ground? Is my church unified around Christ?

Related Readings: Judges 20:11; Psalm 133:1; John 17:23; Romans 15:5