RESPONSIBILITY FOR UNITY IN THE LOCAL CHURCH

By Bob Myhan

Christians universally have a com­mon faith and a common sal­vation but the greatest and most direct ob­liga­tions in the interest of unity are in the fellowship of the local church. And each member has a responsibility in this matter.

Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judg­ment. (1 Cor. 1:10)

And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to car­nal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? For when one says, "I am of Paul," and an­other, "I am of Apollos," are you not car­nal? (1 Cor. 3:1-4)

And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater mod­esty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God com­posed the body, hav­ing given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the mem­bers should have the same care for one another. (1 Cor. 12:23-25)

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the call­ing with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuf­fering, bearing with one an­other in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Eph. 4:1-3)

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fel­lowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one ac­cord, of one mind. Let noth­ing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than him­self. Let each of you look out not only for his own inter­ests, but also for the inter­ests of others. (Phil. 2:1-4)

Those who cause divi­sion are an abomi­nation to God.

These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that de­vises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren. (Prov. 6:16-19)

Such a person is walking after the flesh.

Now the works of the flesh are evi­dent, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, out­bursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dis­sensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Gal. 5:19-21)

Such is an indication of worldly wisdom.

But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. (James 3:14-16)

God’s wrath will be poured out on those with a factious disposition.

But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the right­eous judgment of God, who "will render to each one according to his deeds": eternal life to those who by patient con­tinuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness--indignation and wrath, (Rom. 2:5-8)

Acceptable worship is nullified by a fac­tious and divisive disposition.

Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse. For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you. (1 Cor. 11:17-19)

Peace and unity, however, cannot be had at the expense of truth and righteousness.

"Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to 'set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law'; and 'a man's enemies will be those of his own household.' He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and fol­low after Me is not worthy of Me.” (Matt. 10:34-38)

Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, con­trary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. (Rom. 16:17-18)

Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned. (Titus 3:10-11)

Sin cannot be tolerated for the sake of peace.

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, with­out partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:17-18)

The result is well worth the effort.

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For breth­ren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Run­ning down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the moun­tains of Zion; For there the Lord com­manded the blessing-- Life forev­ermore. (Psalm 133)

Dear reader, unity is not an accident in search of a place to happen. It is the end result of diligent effort by all. Are you “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”? &