Unity

Many times, I have been somewhat puzzled by how to "be of one mind" with other Christians. After all, we are all different and unique with different personalities and life experiences.But it is the different opinions and conclusions drawn by each individual that leaves me confused at times. When we are reading the same Bible, attending the same church and worshiping the same Savior, how can it be that we think so differently? Of course this is the basis for much quarreling and heated discussion within the church family. But at the end of the discourse, there are still differences. With that being said, how is it possible to be of "one mind " and actually live in peace? How can we have true unity with so many differences?I must admit that I struggle with this concept. I am definitely a team player who doesn't like to spend precious time finding common ground with someone on my team when there is a big goal ahead of me that needs my focus and attention. But, I'm not very realistic in that regard and it is an area in which the Lord is teaching me patience.

As long as the body of Christ is made up of humans, there will be differences.The 13th chapter of 2 Corinthians has given me some insight into what living in unity really means. Verse 11 says:

Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

According to this verse, the first step of unity is to aim for perfection. Well, there is another instruction that seems impossible for this mere human. Jeanne McCoullough of WOW points out what Christian perfection is not. It is not:

1. an absolute perfection that only God has

2. an angelic perfection they have because they have never fallen

3. an Adamic perfection that man had in his original state before sin

4. a perfection of knowledge that is not possible for man because his intellect was darkened when sin was introduced

5. an immunity from temptation. Jesus was the only one who was tempted and never sinned.

In other words, perfection for the Christian is not a result of a victorious human effort but it is most definitely a result of the Work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit works in the heart of man as a result of faith in the blood of Jesus. Christian perfection is spiritual maturity brought by time, growth, trial and development. It never ends but brings about more faith, love,devotion, patience and discipline. Paul was telling the Corinthians there could be not unity among the believers unless they would strive for perfection within themselves. With Christian perfection comes the grace needed to bring human tendencies and self-centeredness under the authority of Jesus.

What does it mean to strive for perfection? It is more than a mind-set although it certainly must start with a decision to be transformed. 2 Peter 3:14 reminds me to make every effort to be spotless and blameless before God and Colossians 1:21-23 tells me to offer my body as a living sacrifice. Through the Holy Spirit, I have the ability to sacrifice myself to Bible study, prayer, solitude, worship, service...just to name a few. It looks like if I am to have unity with my brothers and sisters in Christ, I have to work on myself. The rest is up to God. Unity doesn't mean agreement. It means personally striving for perfection. What a relief!