Where did the idea begin that unity meant never disagreeing?
One definition of unity that I feel best reflects the biblical idea is this: something whole or complete formed by combining or joining separate things or entities.
Someone once pointed out the diversity of Jesus' disciples: zealots (fighting against Rome), tax collectors (working for Rome), and fishermen (paying the taxes to Rome). The miracle of their unity lay in their following Jesus.
However, many times Jesus had to break up their arguments. What caused the friction? Pride. Jesus kept reminding them that it wasn't about them. After the ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit, the somewhat cowardly, often prideful disciples became the courageous apostles spreading the Good News to the world and (most) dying for their faith.
What made the difference?
Although they had been with Jesus, they had not yet been changed by Jesus. Once their sins were paid for and they became filled with the Holy Spirit, their contemplations went from self-ward to God-ward. They saw disagreements as a means for improvement (as my Pastor pointed out from Acts 6:1-7). When all the Christians desired God's glory and the salvation of souls, their individual tastes and opinions became secondary (Acts 4:32-35).
Proberbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." How does iron sharpen iron? By the friction of rubbing the two pieces together. One of the best ways for our own sharp edges to be shaped is by dealing with people who annoy or disagree with us.
Jesus said, "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them" (Luke 6:32). And to His followers He said, "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35).
Being cleansed by Jesus and having love for one another is how Christians become "something whole or complete formed by combining or joining separate things or entities" or, I would add, quirks and personalities.
The apostle Paul said, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18). This verse infers that if you do nothing, there will not be peace. Peace is the action taken against the natural result of division. Solving differences of opinion is part of creating peace.
James explains how we are to view our internal struggle for our own way.
But if you harbour bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice (3:14-16).Instead, James lays the framework in which we should deal with differences.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness (3:17-18).And how do we obtain this wisdom?
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him (James 1:5).Instead of viewing differences as a cause for parting, let's begin to think constructively about what God can do in and through us as we seek His wisdom, react in love, and pursue peace.
Beautiful blog, Katy! We can agree to disagree without being disagreable. I like this quote: "So live that you wouldn't be ashamed to sell the family parrot to the town gossip." Instead of trying to tear down one another we are called to build up one another. "Bear one another's burden and so fulfill the law of Christ."
ReplyDeleteVery good point, Katy. It is sad how the church today is torn apart by so many petty quarrels and contentions. Perhaps it will take the hostility of the world around us to cause the church to unite as one around the banner of Christ.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog, are you a teacher? If not, you should be. Being a pastor of an interdenominational church,I have learned to embrace difference, as far as scripture is concerned. I have people in my church who believe in eternal security, others who don't. My method of dealing with that issue is simple ... get saved, stay saved, and we have nothing to argue over.
ReplyDeleteThe same is true with water baptism. I have some who believe that water baptism is essential to salvation, others, like me, believe that "The blood of Jesus Christ, God's Son, cleanses us from all unrighteousness. How do I deal with the difference. Get saved, make baptism available and get it done because, on the other hand, I believe there are churches that don't put enough emphasis on following the Lord into the waters of baptism. So, don't argue over it, just do it.
But I want to know there is a genuine experience with Christ first so I don't give anyone a false sense of thinking all is settled just because they got baptized.
Differences are healthy. I've changed my opinion on some things over the years because I listened instead of talked. I heard instead of said. And God used people to talk to me.
I teach our people that church is like a marriage - we're a team. If we use our differences to make up a team, we're healthy. If we perceive our differences as threats, then they will pull us apart instead of together. This is a great blog. I appreciate your insights. If you don't mind, I'd like to put a link from my blog to yours and direct people to read your writings. Thanks for your openness, candidness and wisdom. God's blessings as you serve Him, and, as we serve Him together, separatedly.
Until later.
Thank you, Dad, Charae, & Don, for your feedback.
ReplyDeleteDon, I agree that marriage is a great picture for the church, because it thrives on committment-first to God and then to one another.
Pointing people back to the foundation of God's Word too is essential, b/c when someone strays from the Bible, the differences are irreconcilable.
Thank you so much for your feedback. I appreciate hearing other people's thoughts and not having this be a one-sided conversation.