Week 29: The Path to Unity
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united by the same mind and the same judgment.
1 Corinthians 1:10
Are we united? As a distinctly Christian School, do you believe you understand the mission and the purpose? Recently I had coffee with an alumni who shared his high school experiences (many years ago, back when I was teaching high school). Today this person is a practicing Christian devoted to faith. While he loved the years he spent with us, one thing said caused me to ponder the concept of unity. He felt that at times the faculty did not appear fully united on the mission of the school. Some of that is natural and should be expected. Some of it is just a former high school student's limited perspective. We shouldn’t make too much of it, but it also does not hurt to explore the biblical concept of unity. Do we understand both the mission and the need to be united?
The early church found it necessary and important to hammer home the fact that there needed to be unity for the church to survive. It should be no different for a Christian school. The world should see our love for Jesus, and that love should be demonstrated in how we treat fellow believers. In 1 Corinthians 12 we are given several examples of how to foster unity among believers. While doctrinal truth is always important, that is not the emphasis in this particular passage. Paths to Christian unity are spelled out here among fellow believers. Ask yourselves these questions and it will help you encourage unity.
First, who can participate in New Testament unity? Having biblical unity is not something that the world enjoys. It is not something that is offered to all people indiscriminately. When the Apostle Paul discusses the concept he frames it in the context of those who have the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:11). Those who are in union with Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12), and those who have been given the Spirit through salvation (1 Corinthians 12:13). Only those who have been “baptized into one body” are actually in the body of Christ. Today, many people think church and christianity is something exclusively personal. It is personal, but it is corporate also. Believers are in the local body (the local church) and in the larger body that forms the hands and feet of Jesus. Only those in the body of Christ can experience a unity that transcends earthly cliques and self-interest.
Second, how do we define New Testament unity? When Paul told the church at Corinth to stand together and be united he did not mean that everyone had to look, act and think exactly alike. That is what cults do. The New Testament speaks of unity within the context of diversity. We are told that we are all members of one body, but that we each contribute to unity by our diversity (1 Corinthians 12:14). We all have one goal, but different gifts that carry out that goal (1 Corinthians 12:1-2; 20). Differences are good, so embrace them. While we are all part of one body, we are not all the same part. Some are hands, and some feet (1 Corinthians 12:15-17). It is humbling and encouraging to realize that you cannot do everything, and that you cannot do what another person may be able to do well. Instead of jealousy, play to your strengths and lean on your brothers and sisters where you are weak.
Third, what environment does unity thrive in? It has to have an atmosphere of love. If we don’t feel that we all have the same vision and purpose, the answer to that is to begin to exercise love toward those whom we feel most distant. 1 Corinthians 12:26 says that if one member suffers, all suffer together. Loving other believers builds up believers and seals love and loyalty. It is hard to hate someone whom you pray for. It is hard to be rude to a fellow saint when you are serving them. We also are willing to put up with weaker parts of the body (1 Corinthians 12:22). How do you view people that you consider “weaker” than you?
So, are we unified on the mission of the school? The mission is simply to glorify God and teach His truth (albeit, the school’s mission statements say it better. Look at them in the main lobby next time you’re there). Do we seek to have a biblical unity? That’s a good thing to ponder.
Discussion Questions:
How does the school body show love for those among us?
Those weaker (in the body) need greater care. If everyone matters, how can we love the weaker members?
What are gifts you see in others that you don’t have yourself? How do you receive blessings from others' body gifts that you may not possess?
