Still On Unity (Part 2) 

Unity in the local and global church is worth fighting for. Paul fought for both throughout his ministry. A sizeable part of all his epistles were devoted to bringing Jew and gentile believers together. He fought tirelessly for doctrinal unity, especially with those of the circumcision group. 

"While Paul and Barnabas were at Antioch of Syria, some men from Judea arrived and began to teach the believers: "Unless you are circumcised as required by the law of Moses, you cannot be saved." Paul and Barnabas disagreed with them, arguing vehemently. Finally, the church decided to send Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem, accompanied by some local believers, to talk to the apostles and elders about this question." (Acts 15:1-2? , NLT??)

For Paul, placing circumcision as a prerequisite for Salvation was more than a cultural issue, it was fundamentally undermining the gospel. It suggests that faith in Jesus alone is not enough for justification. Even after the Apostles ruled that circumcision is not a requirement for salvation, and wrote a letter to the church in Antioch to spell out their decision on the matter, the issue was not resolved. In Galatians 1-2, Paul was very stern in addressing the Galatian church, as they appeared to be yielding to the circumcision message. He even told Peter off for what he regarded as his hypocrisy on the matter (Galations 2:11-16). 

Sadly, the devil will continue to stir people up to raise issues that will distract and divide. It was circumcision for the early church. It is race, homosexuality, gender, and the role of women in the church (among other things) in modern day Christianity. Thankfully, just as there are people who work to divide, there are people who God has raised to unite. And, unity always wins, because the source of our unity is in the triune God himself. 

So the question is this - Are you working for unity in your local church? Are you raising questions and issues that build or divide the church? Don't get me wrong, I am not saying we should not debate issues, we definitely should. God fearing men and women should always raise difficult questions for us to discuss in light of scriptures. However, once we have scripturally come to a decision, it would be counter productive for people to continue to seek to undermine or sow seeds of discord. That's what happened after the meeting in Acts 15. The circumcision group did not let the issue be. They continued to propagate their ideology, seeking to unsettle many of the gentile converts. 

I have resolved to fight with my life for the unity of the church. I do this by not always seeking to win an argument, but to allow the scriptures to be the final authority. Though sometimes we have to agree to disagree, my goal always is for God's will, not my opinion to rule the day. God is capable of fighting his own battles, so I don't fall out with people over points of difference. Where there are differences in the interpretation of scriptures, I am not shy to state my position clearly, with scriptural evidence and conviction. 

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 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 4:2-4?, NIV)??. These verses act as a guide to me on how to work towards unity and not be divisive. Please meditate on them and let God speak to you through them.

In the words of Paul, "I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose." ??(1 Corinthians? ?1:10?, NLT??). 

Christ is not divided, we his children must not be divided. May Jesus take centre stage in our churches again. May he be the only superstar we adore. May he be our mega pastor, not mere man we place on a pedestal. May we not celebrate the planters or waterers, but give all the glory to the one who causes growth - GOD! Let God take his rightful place again in our hearts and in our churches. Amen! (1 Cor. 3:5-9). Let's coalesce around him. 

Growth comes when we preach the gospel. Let's do that, and watch all our arguments and disagreements fade away as the joy and testimonies of transformed lives and baptisms occupy our time and thoughts. Let's unite behind the gospel. That's where the church will find meaning, purpose, power and fulfilment in these dark times.