UNITY MANDATE FOR THE LOCAL CHURCH

C. Ermal Allen

Could the church be any more divided than it is if Jesus and his apostles had commanded us to divide? Unity is preached by all but practiced by few. When it is practiced, unity frequently is defined as a spiritual unity, visible only to God. Denominational divisions are not seen as a contradiction of this spiritual unity. Many who define unity this way assert that unity is not something to be achieved but to be recognized and maintained. When it is not practiced, unity is frequently lamented as being a goal to be sought but not likely to be achieved.

Those who are actively seeking a true unity based on the truth of the Gospel are to be commended. We must not give up on unity as something that is unseen or that cannot be achieved. We must look forward to and work for the day when most Christians will once again be visibly united.

Another aspect of unity, however, is too often neglected, unity within the local congregation. While we applaud efforts to promote unity among Christians wherever they may be found, we must not ignore the Scriptural mandate for unity in the local church.

Too many churches are floundering because they are in frequent or even continual states of division. Sometimes these divisions exhibit themselves in power struggles between families or other groups in the congregation, between the leadership and the members, or between parties in the leadership. Other times these divisions result in churches splitting or numbers of people leaving or being forced from the congregation in an atmosphere of bitterness.

This article will examine first the importance of unity, then the basis of unity, and finally the process involved in maintaining (or repairing) the unity of the local congregation.

The Command to Be United

Unity is not an option for the New Testament church. It is commanded by Christ and his apostles. The command is not infrequent or casual. Consider the following Scriptures:

Question: In light of the above Scriptures, can a church consider itself faithful to Christ if its members are not taught the importance of unity and how to maintain/achieve it? Can a church consider itself faithful to Christ if its members (including its leaders) are not actively practicing and pursuing unity among themselves? And think about this one: Nowhere in the New Testament is it suggested that the way for believers to solve their differences (including the serious problems in the churches in Revelation 2-3) is to leave their church and start (or join) another one. What do you think might be the significance of this silence?

The Need to Promote Unity

Why should we be concerned with promoting unity? Will it not automatically happen if we just preach Christ and him crucified? Both experience and Scripture answer with an emphatic NO!

Unity will not happen without effort. Paul speaks of maintaining and also achieving unity as the work of members and leaders alike. "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. . . . It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (Eph 4:3,11-13, emphasis mine). A part of the work to reach spiritual maturity is to "work hard" in both keeping the unity we have and reaching the unity we do not yet have.

We also need to promote unity because the enemy is constantly seeking to promote division. The apostle Paul addressed a problem in the church at Corinth with the command to demonstrate love for, to comfort, and to forgive the penitent offender "in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes" (2 Corinthians 2:11). If Satan cannot lure us away from Christ, his next best (or maybe his preferred) goal is to divide us against one another since that will wreak havoc in the church and destroy its witness.

Paul tells Timothy that those within the church (apparently) who opposed his work of evangelist should be treated in a certain way so "that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will" (2 Timothy 2:24-26). The connection between this passage and division will be discussed below, but for now the reader should notice that such people are considered to be caught in the devil’s trap.

Consequences of Unity

Unity should also be promoted because of the glorious consequences of doing so! Consider, for example, "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! . . . For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore" (Psalm 133:1,3). Also, "There is . . . joy for those who promote peace" (Proverbs 12:20). And again, "He who covers over an offense promotes love" (Proverbs 17:9).

Jesus connected unity with success in persuading others to become believers. He said, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:34-35). Somehow we have concluded that our loyalty to Christ is proved by belonging to the right church, holding the right doctrine, etc., but Jesus said that, as far as the world is concerned, they will judge our discipleship by the extent of our love for one another!

For this reason, we must promote a visible, practical unity, one that the world can see. To the extent that we are visibly united (not just to God but to the world as well), our message will find success: "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me" (John 17:20-23, emphasis mine).

From this passage in John 17 several conclusions may be drawn: (1) The world (en masse, not every single person) will be won when we are one. (2) The world (en masse) will never be won so long as we are divided, regardless of our programs, marketing, church growth research, etc. (3) There must be a practical, workable plan for achieving this kind of unity. Otherwise why would he be praying this way? (4) This kind of unity some day will be achieved. Jesus is praying like he expects it to happen! And (5) unity should be the number one priority for a divided church. Everything we do is wasted effort if we are not engaged in making disciples; and disciples can be made more quickly by a united church.

Paul also connects unity with evangelism. He prayed, "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 15:5-6). When believers are at odds with one another, they spend most of their time trying to justify themselves; but when they work together in unity they become effective in proclaiming the glories of God.

Paul also says, "[L]isten to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you" (2 Corinthians 13:11). God’s love and peace are present in abundance for those who are living in peace with one another.

When believers are "encouraged in heart and united in love," they have available to them "the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God" (Colossians 2:2). To the extent that we have attained the unity of faith and of the knowledge of Christ, then "we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work" (Ephesians 4:14-16).

Consequences of Division

In addition unity should be promoted because of the consequences of not doing so. For example, consider the following proverbs: "There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: . . . a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers" (Proverbs 6:16,19). Also, "He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends" (17:9). "He who loves a quarrel loves sin; he who builds a high gate invites destruction" (17:19). "An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel" (18:19). And as an example from family relationships, "A . . . quarrelsome wife [or husband, for that matter] is like a constant dripping" (19:13)! An atmosphere of dissension constitutes a most miserable environment.

Although speaking in regard to Satan’s kingdom, Jesus’ words apply equally to the church: "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand" (Matthew 12:25). Neither side in a church fight is a winner, neither the one that is "right" nor the other; but Satan comes out a big winner. Paul warned, "If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. . . . I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:15,21). "United we stand; divided we fall."

James offers a similar warning: "But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice" (James 3:14-16).

And regarding those who actually promote division, Paul counsels the following: "Warn a divisive person . . . You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned" (Titus 3:10-11).

The Ground of Unity

What then is the basis for the unity of Christ’s disciples? Sometimes a circle is used to symbolize the distinction between those who are to be part of this unity and those who are outside. What then is the circumference of this circle? What are the limits to this unity?

Jesus once spoke of this unity: "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd" (John 10:14-16). Those who are in the circle are those who know Christ and who are known by him. They are those who listen to his voice. These who trust and obey him are the ones who avail themselves of the benefits of the sacrifice of his life. His sacrifice brought not only forgiveness for sin but also unity of the forgiven ones. He died "for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one" (John 11:51-52).

Therefore Christian unity is exclusive to those who are in Christ. "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:26-28). This exclusivity is necessary since only those in Christ have been freed from the condemnation of the law.

The result is that "through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 3:6). The unity of all believers is thus grounded in "the mystery" of the Old Testament promises to Abraham and his descendants, now fulfilled in the inclusion of believing Gentiles into the chosen people. The "one body" image is also found in 1 Corinthians 12:12-13: "The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by [mg. in] one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink." This passage refers to the Holy Spirit as involved in this unity. Thus, "There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all" (Ephesians 4:4-6).

Unity being grounded in the death of Christ, the unity between believers and Christ, the inclusion of Gentile as well as Jewish believers in the chosen people, and the sharing of the Holy Spirit, then certain attitudes among the believers are necessary: "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel" (Philippians 1:27). "If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with 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 purpose" (Philippians 2:1-2).

And so Paul summarizes the ground of Christian unity: "Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all" (Colossians 3:11)!

Causes of Division

At this point it might be useful to explore the sources of division as they form a contrast with the preceding ground of unity.

Attitudes that are a normal part of division, "hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions" (Gal 5:19-20), are grouped with other acts of the sinful nature. James writes that harboring "bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts" is a sign of a "‘wisdom’ that does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil" (James 3:14-15).

The Plan of Action

Having considered the importance of Christian unity and the basis for this unity, it is now time to ask, how can such unity be attained and maintained? First it should be noted that unity with people one does not even know can be fairly easily assumed. Furthermore, although it is no easy matter to have unity among those from different Christian heritages, nevertheless it is even more difficult to maintain unity (and, once broken, to restore it) among those who are part of the same local congregation. They may be in general agreement on doctrine and many other matters, but interpersonal relationships form the severest threats to unity.

Accept

The first and basic step for attaining Christian unity is acceptance. This step is the recognition of the circumference around the circle, delineating the limits of unity. This step is the primary step for promoting unity among all believers around the world. "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God" (Romans 15:7). All those who are accepted by Christ are to be accepted by each other. Nothing should be made a condition for fellowship that Christ has not made a term of salvation. Those Scriptures that expressly teach what one does to be saved, to be in Christ, to be forgiven, to be children of God–those terms are the only conditions for fellowship. No other opinions and inferences are to be required for recognizing others as in the fellowship.

In matters of inference or opinion, judgment of others should be left to God. "Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?" (James 4:11-12). In a rather lengthy treatment of this subject, Paul says:

In another place Paul refers to some of his own teaching and apparently recognizes that not everyone would immediately accept that teaching. Although he is an apostle of Christ, he grants them time: "All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained" (Philippians 3:15-16).

Forgive

The second step to unity is in many ways the hardest. "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:30). Failure to forgive others for personal harm by word or deed, along with the accompanying resentment and bitterness, is perhaps the most commonly admitted fault among Christians. "I know I should forgive, but I just can’t." "I’ve forgiven, but I can’t forget." "I can forgive many things, but not this . . . ." That this attitude is widespread seems to give many believers the mistaken notion that forgiving is not really expected.

By the way, forgiveness can only be offered by the offended. No disciple can offer forgiveness for harm done to another person (or to God).

How can a Christian forgive when the offender does not ask forgiveness or even refuses to acknowledge that he is wrong? The answer lies in the way God forgives our sins. Forgiveness is not the healing of the wound–only time can do that. Rather, forgiveness is how I treat that person in spite of the wound. "Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else" (1 Thessalonians 5:15). Is that not the way God forgives us? He is still hurt by our sins, but he treats us as though we have not sinned because Jesus has paid the price. We must forgive others for the same reason, because Jesus has already paid the price. I must forgive, in order to show God that I understand that forgiveness is not based on merit, but on grace.

I can forgive, not because I am no longer hurt, but because this person’s sins have been covered by the blood of Jesus. If he has met the Scriptural requirements for God’s forgiveness, then I cannot withhold my forgiveness. After all, is his sin against me greater than his sin against God? If God can be gracious, then I must also be gracious. I can treat him (sincerely) as a brother even though he does not deserve such treatment, for God treats me as a son even though I do not deserve such treatment.

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful" (Colossians 3:12-15).

Love

The third step toward unity is found in Colossians 3:14: "And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Love is the all-embracing attitude that makes unity possible.

Love is learned from God. "Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other" (1 Thessalonians 4:9). "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:1-2).

Love sums up the commandments: "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’" (Galatians 5:13-14). God’s commands are descriptions of how love behaves, and therefore love will never behave in such a way that God’s commands are disobeyed. So what is the difference between love and law? Love goes beyond the requirements of the law. It sees the law as a teacher and then takes those teachings as beginning points for behavior. One of the problems with written law is that it cannot cover every conceivable situation. Love takes what the law says and then applies the principles learned from it to specific situations that are not specifically covered by the written code.

Love goes beyond acceptance and forgiveness. It is an attitude that results in actions, actions that seek the best for others. Love is not a feeling about others as much as a way of treating others. Love is laying down "our lives for our brothers" (1 John 3:16). It is sharing our material possessions with those in need (3:17). It is not so much "words or tongue" as it is "actions and in truth" (3:18).

Here are some Scriptural examples of how love behaves:

Agape love means that a Christian treats other believers as brothers and sisters, regardless of personal feelings about them. When he puts even his "enemies" above himself, he is showing love, even when he cannot "feel good" about them. Many congregational divisions would be healed if brothers quit treating brothers as they deserve to be treated, and started treating them in their best interest, regardless of their feelings. The best way to conquer an enemy is still to treat him as a friend, to "overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21). In other words, love is not feeling (which we cannot always control) but doing. And after a time of doing, love in practice will eventually result in positive and brotherly feelings.

In Romans 14:13-15:2 Paul goes into great detail about how love relates to unity:

Serve

The fourth step in promoting unity is service. The apostle said, "But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. . . . From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work" (Ephesians 4:7,16).

The "one body" passages in Romans 12:1-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 make it clear that Christian ministry is the responsibility of all members of the body. Much more than that, this service must be done in cooperation with one another. As someone has said, "Not all have the same function, but all have some function." No one is indispensable, so no one should think more highly of himself than the facts warrant. (How much talent or ability one may have is not what counts, but rather how much faith he is exercising in the use of those abilities.) On the one hand, no one should think he is not needed. On the other hand, no one should think that any other member of the body is not needed. The work of the church can be effective only to the extent that all members are fulfilling their fullest potential as they work together.

Cooperate

Serving together requires the fifth step toward unity: cooperation.

Cooperation first demands that church quarrels come to an end. Proverbs has much to say about quarrels: "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out" (Proverbs 17:14). "A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense" (19:11). "It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel" (20:3). "Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down" (26:20).

Quarrels are often caused by people who think they alone know the best course of action that a group should take and who do not hesitate to spread discontent even after a decision has been made. Scripture says otherwise: "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom" (James 3:13). "Do everything without complaining or arguing" (2:14)!

The apostle Paul often wrote about the need to work together without looking down on or quarreling with each other. For example, "If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with 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 purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus . . ." (Philippians 2:1-5). He goes on to describe that attitude as one that disregards one’s own position for the sake of humble obedience to God and service to mankind, even to the point of dying for them.

Writing to the young preacher, Paul commanded, "Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen" (2 Timothy 2:14).

James asks, "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures" (James 4:1-3). Church fights happen when people cannot stand not getting their way.

Patience is necessary to avoid quarrels. "Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!" (James 5:7-9). Decisions are sometimes made by single individuals, sometimes by small groups, and sometimes by the congregation as a whole. Regardless of how a particular decision is made, those who find themselves on the losing end must learn to accept that decision and wait for the outcome. If the decision proves to be correct, those who disagreed will be spared the humility of having made a fuss over it. If it proves to be incorrect, then those who knew that they spoke against the decision will be more likely to listen to them the next time–and they will have earned respect for not stirring up trouble. "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (Ephesians 5:21). Everyone, preacher, elders, deacons, congregation, at one time or another needs to understand when to yield to the wisdom of others. "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness" (James 3:17-18).

(Leadership)

Leaders have a responsibility in cooperation. Elders are told, "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:2-3).

Leaders in general (whatever their position) are told that they "keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you" (Hebrews 13:17). Their two-fold responsibility is (1) to keep watch over those under their charge in such a way that they demonstrate their awareness that they will have to give an account for their leadership and (2) to lead in a way that is an advantage to the people.

Leaders are urged to "warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone" (1 Thessalonians 5:14).

God has given ministries to the church. "But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it" (Ephesians 4:7). "Grace" here, as in about 15 other times in the New Testament, refers to a ministry, a service that God has given to members of the body of Christ. Some of God’s gifts to the church are not just ministries but also the men who have been given certain select ministries: "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-13). Their job is not to do the work of the ministry but to equip and lead the people in the church’s work.

As they carry out their work, evangelists (and, by extension, other leaders also) are to have the following attitude: "Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will" (2 Timothy 2:23-26). Notice that those who are opposing the Scriptural work of the preacher are considered to be trapped by the devil, i.e., they are doing his work of dividing the body! "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction" (2 Timothy 4:2). Also, "But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him" (Titus 3:9-10). This last instruction also shows that the church leadership, while not quarreling themselves, are not to allow people in the congregation to incite dissension.

Elders (and, by extension, other leaders also) are to serve "not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:2-3).

(Congregation)

While the leaders have a role in leading cooperation within the congregation, the members also have a responsibility. For example, "Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you" (Hebrews 13:17). Although leaders are not to be dictators, the congregation is commanded to follow them as they lead in the work of the church, and to do so in a way that their work will be a joy. Someone has said, "Every generation thinks it is smarter than the previous one and wiser than the next one." The Scripture seems to have this thought in mind: "Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you [old and young alike], clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:5-7). Those who are in the right and nevertheless yield to the decisions duly made, will be vindicated eventually "in due time."

Paul adds: "Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other" (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).

When the congregation follows a godly leadership, "speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work" (Ephesians 4:15-16).

Unity is not a desirable but impossible goal. It is a mandate for the church. The obedient church will find a way to practice unity. Peace in the congregation is the responsibility of the leaders. Peace in the congregation is the responsibility of the members. God will hold responsible anyone who disrupts that peace. In speaking of the unity of the church, Paul says, "Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple" (1 Corinthians 3:16-17).

A church at peace and in service to the Gospel is a church that will attract many. For Christ’s sake, for our sake, for the sake of the lost, let us make every effort to attain and maintain the unity of the Spirit.