The True Conception of Unity

The word of God is truly an endless ocean of knowledge and insight. A New Testament class discussion brought me to a wonderful conclusion, which removed a heavy weight off my burdened shoulders.

I am a strong proponent for unity within the body. My insides are often in turmoil when I witness the bickering, confusion, and separation within the Christian communities. Denominational barriers and theological disagreements seem to permeate every facet of the Christian faith.

These divisions often leave me with feelings of rejection and powerlessness. How can I love and communicate with my brothers and sisters when everyone has their own perceptions and biases? How will I ever know the truth if the representatives of Christ are so obviously varied and different?

I would often use the Book of Acts as my standard. They were in one accord and the Holy Spirit fell on them. They sold their possessions as each had need. All these great accomplishments, Christians long to mimic.

Well, I recently had an Acts awakening. The book of Acts is full of controversy, dispute, division, and confrontation. Why had not I seen this before? Why do I hold others to a standard that even Paul and Peter struggled to master?

When you read the entire book of Acts, you realize theological disagreements and divisions were common. I fought against this revelation until I found it to be an obvious fact. The early church battled such topics as Gentile circumcision, who would accompany Paul on his missionary journey, and other subtle and significant disagreement.

Why is this good news? First, I don’t have to wail over the current situation of the church. It is a divine process. Second, Jesus uses weak, imperfect people to search out His mysteries. He wants to partner with us (and our silly perceptions). Our Holy Spirit is full of empowerment, and He isn’t afraid when we have to wrestle to find truth. He even lets us confront deception and truth with our brother and sisters in Christ. He likes when we struggle through the darkness and find the light as a community.

I think that is marvelous!