The Power of Unity: A Call to Christian Harmony
As Christians, we are called to be united in our faith and in our relationships with one another. Jesus prayed for unity among his followers, saying, “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:20-23). Yet, despite this call to unity, churches often struggle with disunity and division.
In this article, we’ll explore ten ways in which we can fracture our churches, causing harm to ourselves and others. These include:
* Coming to church with a consumer mentality, seeking what we can get from others rather than what we can give
* Being impatient and grumpy with others, failing to exhibit Christian patience and love
* Importing conflicts from other churches or relationships, stirring up trouble where it doesn’t belong
* Failing to resolve issues, allowing bitterness and resentment to take root
* Engaging in gossip and slander, causing harm to others and damaging our own relationships
* Becoming disaffected with our leaders, spreading disrespect and discontent throughout the church
* Allowing our churches to become fragmented over non-essential issues, losing sight of the gospel
* Failing to distinguish between essential and non-essential truths, ostracizing those who disagree with us
* Being too undefined in our doctrine, failing to provide clear guidance and correction when needed
* Ignoring stubborn sin in our midst, allowing it to grow and attract God’s judgment
These are just a few examples of how we can fracture our churches, causing harm to ourselves and others. But it’s not too late to change. By recognizing these pitfalls and making a conscious effort to avoid them, we can work towards greater unity and harmony in our churches.
As Conrad Mbewe writes, “Unity is not the same as total agreement. We can work together with those who share our commitment to the gospel, even if we don’t agree on everything.” By striving for unity and harmony, we can create a more loving and supportive community, one that reflects the character of Christ and attracts others to him.
So let’s take a step back and examine our own hearts and actions. Are we contributing to the unity or disunity of our churches? Are we seeking to love and serve others, or are we focused on our own interests and desires? By asking these questions and making a conscious effort to change, we can create a more harmonious and loving community, one that honors God and reflects his character to the world.
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