Unity
Good Morning,
We consider many things to be important that have a tendency to get us in trouble. Being flesh, we often stumble over certain principles regularly. Identifying some of our weak areas might be a help. One such principle that often causes problems is that of unity. Unity is very important — as long as it is built upon truth.
Mark 3:25 “And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”
We need to be unified to effectively accomplish any goal; and often, we see this principle in the Scripture. The Bible has many references to being “of one accord” and to being “one,” but to seek unity at the expense of right and truth is certainly a dangerous prospect.
Notice the trouble Paul found when the Jewish Christian leaders felt unity was more important than truth.
Acts 21:20 “And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law”
vs. 21 “And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs”
vs. 22 “What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.”
Here is the trouble:
The Jews they were trying to please were zealous about the Law, and that is no reason to do anything. They were saved out of that world.
Colossians 2:16 “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:”
Romans 10:12 “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.”
Acts 15:9 “And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.”
The Jewish rituals were not to guide their lives anymore.
Acts 21:22 “…the multitude must needs come together.” More compromises and even sins have been committed in the name of unity than I could name.
Why MUST the multitude come together?
We have to step back and ask “WHY?” if we hope to stay on track.
Paul and many others taught about separation just as much as unity.
Ephesians 5:11 “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”
2 Thessalonians 3:14 “And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.”
Separation is the way the church stays pure. Separation is what keeps us wise (Proverbs 13:20) or turns us into fools. Separation preserves the truth in a world in which the assault against truth is relentless.
Unity at the expense of right is folly.
Pastor