“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.” Psalm 133:1
Everybody is talking about unity, or the lack thereof, today. The Bible also speaks about unity and when there cannot be unity. In order to have unity, the parties must have common goals. They must want the same things and work together to accomplish the same ends. This is true in marriage, in church, in business, in organizations, and in countries. Right now, the United States does not have unity. Some are calling it the “Un-united States”. The reason that the United States is divided is because our two political parties have such different goals for this country. Republicans want to keep America a free-market republic and Democrats want to make America a socialistic democracy. This divide is quite apparent so we are concerned that America may destroy itself. The Bible says,
“If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” Mark 3:24
Kingdoms (or countries) may not stand because of divisions, but the Christian Church will stand because it is unified. Simon Peter stated that Jesus was “the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus said that on that statement he would build his church. Jesus said, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18. Nothing will be able to destroy the church. The reason the church will stand is because it is united with Christ. It is one whole. Christ is the Head and Christians are the body. We do not have to save the church. Christ will do that. Besides that, individual Christians can have unity with each other because we have the same goals – to glorify God in this life and to enjoy living with him forever.
But right now, we are living in this life and faced with dis-unity in our country. What do we do about that? Informed and thinking Christians do not have the same goals as those who are in power in our country at this time. How should we respond? I have learned from Scripture that as a believer in Christ I should not try to have unity with unbelievers.
“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-16
That does not mean that I cannot cooperate on some things with unbelievers. I just cannot be “yoked”, or united with them. I cannot unite with them if they want abortion and I don’t. If they want same-sex marriage and I don’t. If they want to legalize drugs and I don’t. If they want to limit free speech and I don’t. If they want to hate their enemies and I don’t. However, I can cooperate with unbelievers on wearing masks if that’s what they want. And I will pay the taxes they demand even if I am not happy about it.
My goal should be to help unbelievers become believers so that I can be united with them. That’s why I pray every day that God will be gracious to the President and Vice-President and give them the faith to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. I know those two say they are Christians, but their actions speak louder than their words! Surely we as Christians can unite to pray for our leaders that God will save them before it is too late for them and for our country.
The Church doesn’t seem united today. There’s much division re: theology, social issues, politics. It’s a shame that we have denominations at all, in my opinion, but it’s more of a shame that denominations are or have split because of Scripture interpretation re:homosexuality in church leadership, for example. I think God is cleansing His true Church, separating the goats from the sheep in one respect, and in another He is preparing His Bride to meet Him. We SHOULD be united with Christ as the head of the Church, but are we?
ReplyDeleteDear Sue,
DeleteYou are right - the "professing" church is divided, but the "true" church is not. I agree that there are many differences among the denominations, but read what Paul tells Timothy in 2 Tim. 2:22-25 as we prepare for the godlessness in the Last Days. We are surely seeing disturbing signs now.
Thank you again, Rosemary, for your thoughts, even the simple comment on wearing masks. I have been conflicted a bit over giving in to that demand, which I did because I just wanted peace. I so dislike the tension wherever I go, whether to church or to Walmart. There is so much tension in our church over several people bringing the cultural issues into the church, and the pastors have been too weak to stop this, even though they don't agree. I can hardly attend because I can sense this tension, even though no one speaks openly about it. Thank you so much for reminding us of II Tim 2:22-25. That of course is the answer, as God's word always is.
ReplyDeleteMany of us have been privileged to live in a country with genuine foundational truths. Currently, those foundations have been shaken by people who lack knowledge and wisdom. The Truths remain. The unity of believers is different from the unity found in citizenry for the believers unity is found in Christ alone. This wonderful unity is answer to his prayer in John 17.
ReplyDeleteI suppose the disciples were shaken to the core. But suddenly courageous sermons were given, missionaries were sent, the Church was built and unity was found by the indwelling Spirit.
Just because we can't see it, doesn't mean it's not there. We just need to remember whose we are - AND THAT HE WINS!
I don’t think I have ever loved the church as the body of Christ as I do now! How precious is that bond of unity that truly breaks all barriers between believers. How amazing to love each other as Christ has loved us. No matter how God’s Word and God’s people are attacked, the One Lord, the true King will fight for us and He will prevail; He has prevailed for all eternity!
ReplyDelete