Question:  How important is having unity in the Christian community?

Answer:  Unity can be very important as long as you’re united for the right reasons.

Jesus says in Matthew 12:25, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.” (NKJV)  This teaching can be applied in a variety of situations from whole communities to churches, families, and even marriages.  Combine this knowledge with what is revealed about Satan, the thief in John 10:10,  “The thief does not come except to steal. and to kill, and to destroy. I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and that they may it more abundantly.”  Satan knows that one of the most effective ways of destroying something is attacking it from the inside out.  Therefore, an important goal for every group is to stay united in living your lives to please Jesus.  God, through the teachings of His Holy Word, should be the referee and final decision maker in settling disagreements and divisions whenever they arise.

How many times over the years have you heard of church congregations splitting apart when some members disagree with their new pastor?  As a result, hurt feelings and bitterness can last for years.  Obviously, if the church leaders are teaching that the Bible is not true or saying that Jesus is not our only way into Heaven, they are wrong.  You should leave such a church and find one that teaches that the Bible is, indeed, true.  Otherwise, when your Bible-believing, Bible teaching church is having some disagreements within the congregation, pray for God’s Holy Spirit to bring unity to that body of believers.  You will have trouble taking the Gospel out to the world and making new disciples, as Jesus commanded in Matthew chapter 28, if the current disciples are spending most of their time fighting with each other!  As a church, repent of your sins and forgive each other.  Then, your church can be united in showing God’s love in a variety of ways to the local communities and beyond.  Check out this minute and 35 second video by renowned Pastor Tony Evans as he explains the importance of unity in the Body of Christ.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5x1Zfd1b_8.

Also, be aware that if Satan will try to destroy the unity of a church congregation by attacking from within, he will also try to destroy a marriage or a family the same way.  Far too often, we hear of marriages and families breaking apart as a result of various disagreements, or sinful temptations such as adultery, pornography, greed, and deceit.  Seeing how often this happens, we need to be better prepared spiritually.  Dedicate your marriage, family, and yourself to the Lord.  Pray for God’s Holy Spirit to protect you, your spouse, and your family from the temptations of Satan.  Pray for you all to be united in believing in and living by His Word.

Remember that God has provided us with the Bible as a manual for living life His way.  So, study His Word, the Holy Bible, and follow its teachings to help keep you from being in a house divided by Satan.  Instead, you will be in a house united by Jesus!

Helpful Links:

Focus on the Family    http://www.focusonthefamily.com

Crown Financial Ministries   http://www.crown.org

The Christian Broadcasting Network   http://www.cbn.com

World Magazine        www.worldmag.com