Exploring the Issue of Group Uniformity In Practice (Part III)

Exploring the Issue of Group Uniformity In Practice (Part III)

You have probably heard the saying, “In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, and in all things charity”. In theory this seems to make sense. In practice it becomes more complicated because Christians do not always agree on what is an essential and what is not.

I think we do agree that the Bible teaches unity in the body of Christ.

“Behold, how good it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)

“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Eph. 4:3)

“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:” (Eph. 4:13)

“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:” (Titus 2:1)

I think it is fair to say that the Scriptures urge us on to unity in several dimensions. This involves our faith, our walk in the Spirit, speaking truth or sound doctrine, and unity in our relations with others.

Here are some other considerations that may be important as we try to unpack this idea of unity.

  1. Unity can be good or bad. Evil individuals can be unified against God.
  2. Relational or social unity is good, but incomplete if not built on Truth.
  3. Some issues are not as important as others. For example, a correct understanding of The Book of Revelation is not as important as the understanding Christ’s work on the cross.
  4. Because of personal conscience (and likely other factors also), believers draw the line between the acceptable and the unacceptable in different places when making application of scriptural principles.

Jesus prayed for the unity of the believers.

“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” (John 17:20)

The unity of the believers with each other and with God is linked to the impact the believers will have on the world. It seems that Jesus has placed a very high priority on unity.

DSJ

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