Seek Unity |By: Dr. Jeff Fuller | RBC Live-August Edition
Recently, while celebrating the Lord’s Supper, we explored the issue of unity.
One of the issues that Paul rebukes the Corinthian church for in terms of their practice of communion was the existence of divisions in the church. He details these issues clearly in 1 Corinthians 11:18-19:
“For to begin with, I hear that when you come together as a church there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. Indeed, it is necessary that there be factions among you, so that those who are approved may be recognized among you.” (CSB)
With the existence of such a division, it is unfitting for such to be revealed at a time meant to as time of unity. As we take of the bread and the fruit of the vine, we are showing unity as a body of believers and unity with Christ.
We must be careful not to allow divisions to take us into a dark, dismal place. Places where we fight and feud over minor, non-important things. We will not always agree on everything, in the secondary concerns; what is not important in the grand scheme of things. It is vital we examine our hearts to see if we are letting these differences get in the way of standing united in Christ.
If you see disunity, how can you rectify it? Perhaps it is through seeking reconciliation or offering forgiveness. Focusing on the things which unite us will bring glory to God. Things which are relatively minor and should not threaten our relationship with God or with our fellow believers.
In these times of such strong division in our world, are we living in the spirit of unity with our fellow believers.
“I have given them the glory you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me, so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me.” (John 17:22-23 CSB)
When God’s people come together in unity to achieve a common goal, their aligned effort brings divine power and transforming impact to the world. If the people of God were to operate with the unity to which the Lord calls us, we would become the single greatest force for productive change in history.