Unity in Diversity!

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"Do all things without murmuring and disputing" (Phil 2:14)

We continue our meditation today also on that matter of paramount importance—Christian Unity. If we would only set aside whatever difference of opinion amongst us and stand united for the cause of our Father's Name and honour, we would see wonders within and without the Church. Here are two more steps for unity.

* Teach and exercise unity in small groups.
Everything starts small in the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is like "a mustard seed." It is now a "little flock." Jesus taught His disciples about a gathering of "two or three." After His three and a half year ministry, they were about 120 disciples. They were with "one accord" (Acts 1:14,15). When the number multiplied to 3000, and then to 5000, they could maintain the same oneness (2:41,44; 4:4,32). Today is World Population Day!

The character of small units will be reflected in the larger group. Home cells are a good ground for exercising oneness. In the New Testament times they had local house gatherings. Christians of various Churches and denominations living in one locality can come together in spacious houses periodically for prayer and sharing. This kind of fellowship will not only enhance Christian unity but also leave a powerful impact on the non-Christian neighbours. What a thousand member Church will not be able to accomplish, local house groups will do much easily. This is how "fear come upon every soul," following Pentecost (Acts 2:43,46,47).

* Strive for spiritual and not structural unity.
Unity among Christians does not mean bringing Churches and denominations under one structural roof. We are not talking about union but unity. The Church is not a club. It's an organic body. The commonality between Christians and congregations must be life. Those dead "to" sin cannot fellowship with those dead "in" sin. Jesus pointed out, "God is the God of the living, not the dead" (Mt 22:32). Isaac and Ishmael cannot dwell together. God would not allow Abraham to provide even an out-house for Ishmael (Gal 4:28-31). God's law does not permit ploughing with an ox and a donkey together (Dt 22:10).

We must also remember that oneness is not sameness, and unity is not uniformity. The beauty of God's creation is in its variety. So also in the congregations of recreated men and women. We have so many forms of worship, methods of administration, and types of evangelism. This is our strength: Unity in diversity! 

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