Christian Pitfalls: Lack Of Unity

As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes, I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one, just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

John 17:18-23 (NKJV)

In our King’s famous chapter of prayer (before His arrest and crucifixion)... clearly, publicly, and repeatedly, He pleads with His Father for unity:..

Specifically, for OUR unity– so we, who live through Him and bear His Name, would do so in evident UNITY!

Why?

‘If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand’ (Mark 3:24-25).

Here’s another WHY, an unsettling WHY:

The lack of unity among Christians HARMS OUR WITNESS as Christ’s ambassadors: ‘That the world may know that you sent Me’ (v.23 above).

Because when Jesus-followers split up (like a family feud or nasty divorce)…

  • The splits kept re-splitting and re-splitting…

  • Into uncountable, bickering bands.

  • Some walk under Old Testament standards.

  • Others re-mold the Word to their standards.

  • But in the job of “editing” Jesus,

  • (A doomed effort, because the great “I AM” remains absolutely unchangeable),

  • Eyes grew dim, necks grew stiff, and hearts grew hard.

  • Judging each from lofty pulpits,

  • Finger-pointing became our signal flag,

  • But our denominational standards…

  • Is certainly NOT the standard of Christ.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

You’re called to rise above differences with one overall and uniting theme:

‘ ‘Teacher, which is the greatest Commandment in the Law?’

Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest Commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two Commandments.’ ‘ (Matthew 22:36-40.

Christian Pitfalls: Lack Of Unity (Part 56)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban