Chaplain’s Corner – Goals of Christian Living: Unity
“Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).
I usually write about resolutions and goal setting in January, but I almost always begin thinking about this process beginning around Thanksgiving. I am a planner by nature, and I love to have goals to work toward. As I look to the Bible for guidance, I am compelled by the Scripture above that whatever my goals, seeking first the kingdom should be my first and foremost goal. Which brings me to a big question: How do I press on toward this goal?
The previous four devotions were about four qualities, or virtues: trust, wisdom, love, and joy. We explored each one to understand the biblical definition and what we can do to grow in this virtue. Today we are focusing on the fifth and final virtue, “Unity.”
Some phrases come to mind when I think of unity, such as “one mind,” “one accord,” “better together,” and “strength in numbers.” Patrick Henry used the phrase “United we stand, divided we fall” in 1799 to encourage the new United States of America; Abraham Lincoln used the phrase “A house divided against itself cannot stand” in 1858 when running for President to warn against disunity. Their language comes from the Bible. “And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand” Mark 3:25).
Many verses in the Bible reinforce the theme of unity. But who are we to be unified with? And why? And then the big question: How?
- We are to be unified with Christ and our fellow believers. “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). All to often, I think we get confused about what side we are on, or maybe we create too many divisions and begin to segregate ourselves accordingly. “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called” (Ephesians 4:3-4). According to Jesus, “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters” (Matthew 12:30). There are only two sides—we are with Jesus, or we are against him. There is no “in between.”
- The reason for unification is to build up the body of Christ to maturity in faith. “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-13)
How do we attain unity? Caution: this is the hard part. We must surrender our pride in wanting “it” to be about us; thinking we are better than our fellow believers, wanting our own way. The Apostle Paul exhorted us over and over regarding unity.
- He exhorted us to humility: “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. (Romans 12:16). “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourself” (Philippians 2:3).
- He admonished us to “Do everything without grumbling or arguing…” (Philippians 2:14). Both actions refer to interpersonal conflict. Grumbling, or making negative comments about others, threatens unity through sinful gossip. Disputing, or senseless debates or confrontational quarrels, threatens unity through sinful confrontation. We are not to threaten unity.
- He exhorted us to forgive and to love each other: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:13-14).
- He exhorted us to be intentional about reconciliation with each other:“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace” (2 Corinthians 13:11).
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:19-20). I can’t think of a more compelling, encouraging, and hopeful reason to strive for unity with all our fellow believers.
In Christ,
Judy
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