Think Unity

By Bill Brandstatter

     A former President’s wife once told a group of graduates to “think unity.” I don’t know the whole context of her speech, but I do agree with those two words. We should “think unity” regarding Christianity.

    Jesus said, “Think unity.” He prayed that “they may all be one.” This is definitely not the status of the world of professed believers today. There are so many differing views it is hard for a person to decide which group to follow. The unity for which Jesus was praying was centered on Him and His message. He said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Some groups today have swallowed the idea of “unity in diversity” or “agree to disagree.” Jesus didn’t know anything about that. He wanted all to be one.

    Paul wanted us to “think unity.” Paul is the writer of the great chapter that presents the seven ones of Christianity. In Ephesians 4, Paul wrote about, “One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is above all, through all, and in you all.” When Paul preached, his message was the same everywhere he went. He told the church at Corinth, “so I ordained in every church.” (1 Cor. 4:17) Today, there are conflicting views regarding: salvation, the church, the kingdom, the second coming, etc. Paul just preached unity. He stated in 1 Cor. 1:10; “that there be no division among you.” Today, many would say there needs to be a lot of division. The world tells us to attend the church of our choice.

    Peter wants us to “think unity.” Peter was there when Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to the apostles (John 16:13). Jesus promised the Comforter would guide them into “all truth.” Later, Peter wrote that we have “all things that pertain to life and godliness.” (2 Pet. 1:3) If we have all we need, nothing more is needed.

    Unity is not just agreeing to disagree. Neither is it just tolerating the mistakes of others. Unity has a centerpiece or a standard by which two or more are in agreement. That standard is Christ. We must be united around His message. It is His words that will judge us (Jn. 12:48). He is the only one that can save us (Acts 4:12). If we do what He says, we will get what He promised (Heb 5:8,9).

UNITY IS FOUND ONLY IN CHRIST JESUS!

- Bill Brandstatter preaches for the Marion Church of Christ in Marion, IL. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://marionchurchofchrist.com/