Differences Don’t Divide
Unity in the Body of Christ
A few months ago, the Lord began the latest message in my heart just really stirring deep and strong in me. So, I want to begin today by asking the Lord to speak to us. I want your heart to be open. Let’s allow Scripture to speak into your heart and your life.
Father, we ask that you would speak to us. We want to change, to be different. We want to be powerful difference-makers in this world in a way that we have not yet seen. God, speak today through this word, I pray in Jesus’ name.
The Call to Unity
The Bible is filled with calls for unity:
- Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.”
- Jesus prayed, “I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe that you sent me.”
- The Apostle John said, “We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of Life… so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.”
Overcoming Division
Yet, throughout history, the church has been plagued by division. We’ve separated over:
- Doctrinal differences: Interpretations of Scripture, qualifications for ministry, etc.
- Practices: Celebration of holidays, dietary choices, alcohol consumption, etc.
- Politics: Believing that someone from a different political party couldn’t be a Christian.
This division has hindered our witness and prevented us from fulfilling Christ’s prayer for unity.
The Problem of Judgment
Often, our divisions stem from a judgmental attitude. We look down on others who don’t share our beliefs or practices. But Paul warns us against this in Romans 14. He says we should accept other believers who are weak in faith and not argue with them. We are not to condemn or judge other believers. We will all stand before God and give an account to Him.
The Call to Love
Instead of judgment, Jesus calls us to love. He ate with tax collectors and sinners, showing us that our role is not to condemn but to love and bring people to Him.
Our love for one another is what will prove to the world that we are His disciples. Let’s not allow our differences to divide us. Let’s love one another and work together to bring the good news of Jesus to a lost and hurting world.
A Final Thought
Remember the words of Paul: “There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it’s the same God who does the work in all of us.”
Let’s embrace our differences, celebrate our unity in Christ, and work together to fulfill His Great Commission.