Chapter 12 – Uncomfortable Unity
From the book: “Uncomfortable: The Awkward and Essential Challenge of Christian Community” by Brett McCracken
- Why is Unity Important?
First, It is theologically crucial.
“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. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” (John 17:20-23, ESV)
“There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call – one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6, ESV)
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” (1 Corinthians 1:10, ESV)
“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11, ESV)
Second, It is a Powerful Witness. One of the strongest witnesses to the truth of the Gospel is a unified church. This does not show when things are going well, but it especially shows when the church is being challenged. When outsiders expect things to become contentious (because of their secular experience) within the church and they don’t, this is when it has the most impact. Listening to one another, uncommon love, grace, and forgiveness in the face of divisive issues show outsiders the power of the Gospel in its people.
“Unity is a critical manifestation of a Spirit-empowered church.” (p. 166)
Third, There is a Common Enemy. When things are going well and the church is prosperous and abundant, it finds things about which to argue. When the church faces external persecution, it comes together to fight the opposition. This is assuming that the church has not so seriously divided itself in the good times that it uses this latter persecution as one more reason to divide.
- Unity is not Unanimity.
Unity is defined as “a condition of harmony (a pleasing musical sound made by different notes being played or sung at the same time).”
Unanimity is defined as “the state of being of one opinion about something.”
Unity is not based on agreement, but on love and commitment. Strong families usually have little unanimity, but lots of unity. This includes the family of God.
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” (1 John 3:1a, ESV)
“Unity is so much easier and more effective. It is built on a foundation of love. Unity understands that if someone doesn’t actually believe something deep inside her heart, it does no good to force her to act like she does. Unity trusts that the living Holy Spirit will lead individuals to the truth. It also recognizes that we all ‘know in part’ and are seeking God’s truth together; so we don’t have to agree on things that aren’t foundational to Christianity.” (Steve Simms) [1]
There are several factors that challenge unity in the church.
- Our radically individualistic culture.
- Today’s sped-up world of instant gratification
- The internet facilitates sub-cultures.
- Social media amplifies tribalism.
- The idea that unity means groupthink.
- How Much Disagreement is Allowed in Unity?
“I think we’re talking about a unity that, trusting in the Spirit as our ‘glue’ and animating life, can bring us together in action and service and self-defense, even if our beliefs differ on important points.” (p. 170)
This takes us to the discussion about “essentials and nonessentials.” The following is a quote frequently attributed to St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430 A.D.) but also used by John Wesley (1703-1791 A.D.) and many other theologians since. [2]
“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”
The interplay of the Holy Scripture, historical Christian creeds and confessions, and practices of the church universal lived out in real time; derive the essentials of the Church universal. Through these, it is the power of the Holy Spirit that unites us. It is up to us to receive them in humility, to live by them daily, and to share and teach them to others.
- Unity Requires Humility and Love.
“Christian unity happens best ‘when we live well in our communities of conviction, and love well across convictional lines.” (p. 171)
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3, ESV)
“Unity exists in the body insofar as the parts – women, men, young, old, introvert, extrovert – recognize that they need one another and humbly work to that end.” (p. 172)
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
[1] Unity is More Important than Unanimity. Steve Simms. Free Gas for Your Think Tank, 6 April 2018. https://hopethoughts.com/2018/04/06/unity-is-more-important-than-unanimity/ .
[2] In Essentials, Unity. Walter Fenton. Wesleyan Covenant Association, 11 June 2021.https://wesleyancovenant.org/2021/06/10/7680-2/