Let's talk unity... (Blog's Purpose)

I suppose that the first major post needs to address the blog's purpose. So, is there anything better than unity? Someone humorously explained the difference between union and unity. You could tie two cats' tails together and throw them over the clothes line. (I'm neither suggesting nor condoning this.) You would have union but not unity; we strive for unity.

The problem with unity is that it so often alludes us. We have opinions, personalities, and agendas that cause division and prevent unity, peace and harmony. Conflict is real to spouses, mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, siblings, co-workers, and teachers and students.

However, unity is an attainable directive for God's people. We are to maintain the unity of the Spirit (Ephesians. 4:3), to attain the unity of the faith (Ephesians. 4:13) and to have unity of mind (1 Peter 3:8). Jesus prayed for unity (John 17:20-21) and the psalmist said dwelling in unity was pleasant (Psalm 133:1). The Apostle Paul, in warning against division, instructed the Corinthians to have unity--in essence by speaking the same thing and by sharing the same mind and judgment (1 Corinthians 1:10).

Fortunately, there are several biblical characteristics that lend to unity's practice. If we love one another (John 13:34); if we live harmoniously (Romans 12:16), peaceably (2 Corinthians 13:11) and with kindness (Ephesians 4:32); if we develop humility in our mind (1 Peter 3:9); if we give up jealous and selfish ambitions in our hearts (James 3:14); then we can be close to unity.

Now I recognize that you cannot have unity at all costs. Amos asked, "Can two walk together unless they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3). I believe that the most fundamental idea where Christians should have unity, for example, is in the understanding of how lost people become Christians. Some of my religious friends tell me that if you sincerely desire eternal life and you pray to God, then you can experience salvation.

My Bible, however, describes several occasions in the book of Acts (e.g. the 3000 on Pentecost, the Ethiopian eunuch, the Philippian jailor and so on) where the saved person did not rejoice until after they were baptized. Why? Because they recognized that they were not saved until after they were baptized; they realized that you put on Christ when you are baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27). How can my religious friends and I have unity when we differ about how one puts on Christ? Unity does not come at all costs.

It is especially important to have unity in this ever-so divided world. Are you working towards unity? The Unity Blog will strive to help Christians become united  together under God's biblical umbrella, as Paul said, "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3 ESV).

Take care for this month, and think on nobler things.