If you have been involved in the local church for more than 2 weeks than you are ripe for some type of conflict. To be sure, there are varying levels of conflict, however, the truth that there will be conflict amongst Christians is with us until we reside in glory. The reason for conflict is sin (James 4:1-2). We sin in what we say, what we do, what we don’t do, and how we think. Sin’s fingerprints are on everything.
We know that conflict assaults one of the most precious treasures in the church: unity. We understand from Scripture that the Holy Spirit creates unity and the church is to maintain it (Eph. 4:3). This command translated “to maintain” means to guard, keep watch, attend to. The word is used in the context of a guard with a prisoner (Mt. 28.4; Acts 12.6) but also of one keeping or observing the Sabbath (Jn. 9.16) or keeping the commandments (Jn. 14.15, 21). What’s more this is to be done with eagerness. This word communicates the diligent effort and striving associated with a priority (cf. Heb. 4.11; 2 Pet. 3.14; 2 Pet. 1.15). What we have here then is a top priority for Christians—they are to give ongoing, active, prioritization to the guarding of unity. We are to tend to it with such care because it is so valuable and so costly.
Think about this. It is quite a charge (especially for sinners).
In light of its value there is little wonder why Paul tells us to be at peace with all men (Rom. 12.18), live in harmony with one another (Rom. 12.16), urges two arguing ladies to get along (Phil. 4.2), and encourages thoughtful introspection–in light of unity, before taking the Lord’s Table (1 Cor. 11.17-20ff). Jesus himself seems to prize reconciliation and unity at such a cost that he calls for shockingly uncomfortable steps to bring about restoration:
“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24)
What is so shocking here is the fact that the onus is placed not on the one with the problem but with the one who is the recipient of the problem. This is radical stuff here.
And, when I say radical here, I mean it is counter cultural. It is not radical Christianity but simply Christianity.
The trouble for us is that we prize comfort more than unity. Too often we would rather not have the difficult conversations because they make us uncomfortable. And, listen, I am getting this from myself first. We would rather that the verse reads, that we are to be eager to maintain our comfort at all costs rather than unity. This is deadly. Literally. Jesus died to purchase a bunch of people who were consumed with themselves and desires to make them a people who are consumed with God.
Think about this: Jesus died to create unity in his church (the gospel does more than this, but never less).
As Christians then we are required to prize and preserve unity in the Holy Spirit.
Here are some basic principles for promoting and preserving unity:
- Promote Christ. Ephesians makes it clear that the big plan is about Jesus. The one who sees the glorious Christ will not be so focused on themselves.
- Demote Yourself. John had it right: “He must increase, I must decrease.” We can’t serve Christ and self, we’ll hate the one and love the other. Sometimes demoting self comes by biting our tongue and serving. Sometimes it comes by humbling self to ask for forgiveness. Sometimes it comes by being uncomfortable and confronting sin. When we raise the gospel flag we demote ourselves.
- Serve Others. When we follow Jesus we are Christ-consumed and other focused. When we are not then we are self-deceived and self-focused. The gospel aims to rip the mirror out of our clutches and put on the apron of service. Sometimes this service is not taking the bait from others to promote disunity but to lovingly serve them by redirecting them towards unity.
- Hate Sin. If sin is what brings about disunity in the church then we should especially hate sin. It is sin which required Christ’s life, and so therefore, it is sin that should be the object of our utter hatred. Hate sin in all forms, but especially the ugly sin of disunity.
- Hate Satan. He has a bull’s eye on unity. If he can get Christians “biting and devouring” each other then they are not serving and loving each other or telling their neighbors about Jesus. Hate Satan because he loves sinful disunity. We are not ignorant of his schemes.
Since Jesus is Lord and he desires unity among his people then we who claim him should zealously and prayerfully pursue unity. This is not unity in unity or unity for unity’s sake. It is unity in Christ and unity for Christ’s sake. Sure, it is uncomfortable, but it is very much worth it. There is nothing more precious than God’s people united together in God’s Holy Spirit, under God’s Son, for the glory of God’s name.
