United We Stand

ONE CHURCH UNDER GOD…

There are approximately 41,000 Christian denominations in the world (http://christianity.about.com/od/denominations/p/christiantoday.htm).  There are multiple Popes, Patriarchs, and Christian leaders as well.  That is a lot.  At least we have a lot of options.

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” 
(1 Corinthians 1:10)

“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” (1 Peter 3:8)

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)

Oh no!  We definitely didn’t get this one right.  The Church is supposed to be united, but that’s not really what we see when we look at Christianity today.  Didn’t we just read something about how there should be “no divisions among you”?

WHAT’S THE ANSWER?

So what’s the answer?  Recently Pope Francis met with Patriarch Bartholomew I, the primary leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church.  They’ve agreed to have a Synod of Nicaea taking place in 2025 to better unite Christians around the world.  The purpose is “To celebrate together, after 17 centuries, the first truly ecumenical synod.”  The First Council of Nicaea is where Christianity as we know it was properly defined and codified, most notably producing the Nicene Creed (which essentially describes the core tenets of Christianity).  It’s fitting that it should be held there 1700 years later.

Does this mean it’s fixed now?  The Churches will sign a “peace treaty” (hopefully including Protestants) and now we’re all united?  While this is certainly a significant step in the right direction, I wouldn’t say this is the solution.

WE’RE BEST WHEN WE’RE OPPRESSED

A large reason why Early Christianity spread so quickly was because it was under fire.  When the Church is being oppressed, for some reason it spreads much faster.  All the different traditions, doctrines and theological perspectives are stripped away to the core of Christianity.  The writer of Hebrews says to let go of everything that hinders and entangles us, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith,” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:14)

“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11)

“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” (Philippians 2:2)

UNITED IN…

All these verses about unity have some common themes.  Put on love.  Be of same mind.  Be of one spirit.

… LOVE – Jesus says that our greatest witness to other people is our love for one another (John 13:35).  We don't have to be debating predestination, purgatory or the five points of Calvinism; we can enjoy being in one another’s lives, speaking truth to each other.  We can encourage and comfort one another in Christ.

… MIND – Jude 1:3 talks about how we all share salvation.  Instead of focusing on disagreements we have, we should focus on how we share salvation.  When I read this in Jude, I really thought this was powerful.  We aren’t defined by differences; we share the same salvation.

… SPIRIT – There is only one Holy Spirit, and He is the same one who raised Jesus Christ from the dead who is at work in the lives of all Christians (Romans 8:11).  While it might be easy for us to push away from each other, we must remember that He is bringing us closer together. 

WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR?

It’s not about letting the theologians or Popes decide for us.  It’s you and me.  It’s us.  It’s when we go to church and hang out together, it’s when we talk, it’s on Facebook, YouTube, social media, etc.  We are the ones who will unite the Church, because we are the Body of Christ, the Church (Ephesians 4:4; Colossians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 12:27; Romans 12:4-5).

It’s not about being good enough.

It’s not about working hard enough.

It’s not about being spiritual enough.

It’s about what Jesus did on the cross.

And what He’s still doing today.