The Significance of Unity

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 15:5-6 NIV)

As Paul approaches the end of the greatest letter ever written (Romans) he makes a point to highlight a major key to effective Christian ministry: unity. It cannot be overstated. Without unity the church will be utterly ineffective in honoring Christ and spreading the gospel.

Jesus said it this way, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand." (Matthew 12:25) "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." (John 17:20-21)

As we ponder these verses for a few minutes today, let's ask a few questions of ourselves.

• Are we united with Christ and his church?
• What are the challenges we must overcome to stay united with other believers?
• What causes discord and strife between believers?"

First off, "Are we united with Christ and his church?" In order to know whether or not you are united with Christ you must ask the question, "Am I abiding in Christ?" or "Is Christ living in and through me?" You cannot cling to your belief of being united with Christ based on a past decision or commitment; you must anchor your unity with Christ on the basis of walking daily with him. You are united with Christ if you are walking with him everyday seeking to do his will. Furthermore, I have heard it said that you cannot love Christ and hate his church. The Bible refers to the church as the bride of Christ. Christ is one with his church.

Secondly, "What are the challenges we must overcome to stay united with other believers?" There are perhaps many challenges we face in this area. The main challenge is going to be giving sacrificial unconditional love. This is not possible in and of ourselves, but with Christ living in and through us we can love others in this way.

Finally, "What causes discord and strife between believers?" Historically, there have been hundreds if not thousands of examples of discord and strife among Christ followers. This is a given when dealing with sinful people. Most of these examples can be associated with two sins: pride and selfishness. When pride rears its ugly head even the unity of best friends is at stake. Selfishness is just as destructive in the church. We must overcome these sins. May we never forget Christ's example of selfless love.

Today, as an act of worship, praise God for demonstrating his sacrificial love that we might be united with him and his church. As we respond to Romans 15:5-6 may we turn away from discord and cling to Christ that our lives will magnify the glory of his grace.