03.07. Unity

UNITY. In discussing unity in this lesson we have reference solely to the unity which should exist in the local congregations, where division and strife is often found. To help heal existing divisions and to prevent others is the purpose of this lesson. unity vs. union. Unity is oneness. Where oneness of faith and purpose exist the congregation is a unit; it is cemented together as one. A number of incongruous, or antagonistic, elements may be brought to­gether into a combination or union so far as outward appearances go, and may have the appearance of unity, while all the elements of division and strife may exist in it.

EVILS OF DIVISION

• its unpleasantness. The unpleasantness of division is manifest to any one who has been a member of a congregation where factions exist. At times the factious spirit in a congregation manifests itself in the home, even between husband and wife, as well as in the social and business affairs of the members of the congregation.

• hinders progress. A church in confusion and strife cannot hope to do very much in converting their neighbors. Such conditions effectually stop the ears of the people against any plea the church makes. Your actions are a more potent comment on your conception of righteousness than anything you can say. Thus a church by its strife contributes to the damnation of those it should save. In this way it becomes the enemy of Christ in that it hinders him in his work of saving men.

• leads to sins of all sorts. "But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another" (Galatians 5:15). To consume one another is to destroy one another’s Christian character by unholy wrangling. "But if ye have bitter jealousies and factions in your heart, glory not and lie not against the truth. This wisdom is not a wisdom that cometh from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where jealousy and factions are, there is confusion and every vile deed. But the wisdom which is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for them that make peace" (James 3:14-18). From this passage we learn that where a faction is, those with "bitter jealousies and factions in the heart" will lie to sustain their own side and to misrepresent the other side; but more, they will resort to "every vile deed," and are "sensual and devilish."

• effects on members. Those who are not a party to the division are disturbed in their church relationship, discouraged, frequently become inactive, and at times drift away from the church. Thus those who are responsible for the division destroy him for whom Christ died.

• drives Christ out. If by the factious spirit one member is driven out of the congregation, Christ is thereby driven out (Matthew 25:40). Let it be remembered, though, that a factious spirit may arise through opposition to something which Christ commands to be done.

DIVISIONS CONDEMNED.

God hates the man causing them. "There are six things which Jehovah hateth; yea, seven which are an abomination unto him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood; a heart that deviseth wicked purposes, feet that are swift in running into mischief, a false witness that utters lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren" . (Proverbs 6:16-19). The Lord classes the sower of discord among brethren with the worst classes known. Such a man causes disruption in the church of God, and in many instances destroys the souls of men. Because destroying the souls of men is a greater crime than destroying property or reputation, the Lord here places the sower of discord as the climax in the characters mentioned. division at corinth. "Now I beseech you, brethren through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same things, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfected together in the same mind and the same judgment. For it hath been signified unto me concerning you, my brethren, by them of the household of Chloe, that there are contentions among you" (1 Corinthians 1:10-11). "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, as unto babes in Christ. I fed you with milk, not with meat; for ye were yet not able to bear it: nay, not even now are ye able: for ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you jealousy and strife, are ye not carnal, and do ye not walk after the manner of men?" (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). That division prevents spiritual development is clearly declared, for those who are responsible for the factions have not developed beyond the stage of babes in Christ, no matter how long they may have been members of the church nor what their pretensions may be; they "walk after the manner of men"—being carnal, they do not walk after Christ.

CAUSES OF DIVISION personal matters. Disturbances between two or more brethren over business affairs, or over other personal matters in no way related to the affairs of the church, are frequently carried to such an extent as to practically involve the entire congregation. Instead of allowing such matters to permeate the entire membership, the church should demand, and, if necessary, propose a righteous settlement of the affair (1 Corinthians 7:1-40); and if either party is not willing to do the right thing, withdraw from him. Instead of this, the usual order is to take sides, all become involved, and disrupt the church. selfish ambition. At times we find one who has a dogmatic spirit, and who seeks to have his own way in all things without regard to the rights or wishes of others, even in matters that are of no special consequence. He becomes nagging, domineering, and distasteful to those who are spiritually minded. Such men are usually small men mentally, and seem to think they have to assert themselves to gain recognition. Close akin to this character is the one who has ambitions to be a leader. It is seldom a whole congregation can be found who will submit to one who clearly shows he seeks leadership to gratify his own ambition or to accomplish his own selfish ends, and as a result he leads off a faction. "I wrote somewhat unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Therefore, if I come, I will bring to remembrance his works which he doeth, prating against us with wicked words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and them that would he forbiddeth and casteth them out of the church" (3 John 1:9-10). rule of opinion. Christianity is essentially a religion of faith (2 Corinthians 5:7), and faith can be no broader than revelation (Romans 10:17). "We walk by faith, not by sight." It is by faith we apprehend God (Hebrews 11:6), by faith we become children of God (Galatians 3:26), by faith we approach Jehovah in prayer (James 1:6). Faith is the basis of all acceptable obedience to God. Faith is not only the belief of the truth that God is, but also confidence in him. Moses and Aaron did not doubt the existence of God, but because they turned aside from doing exactly what God commanded, God said to them: "Ye believed not in me" (Numbers 20:10-13). They must have entertained the opinion that to do other than just as God said would do just as well or better. The case of Cain and Abel further illustrates faith and opinion. Abel brought the offering Jehovah commanded—made his offering by faith (Hebrews 11:4). Cain brought one not commanded by the Lord, his opinion being that it would do as well. Opinion is ruinous as a ground of church fellowship, for it lacks authority as well as stability; and were it possible to unite on opinions today, some one’s opinion might change on the morrow, and his right to feature his opinion is as great as that of any other. If opinions are to be standards of action, then every man becomes a law unto himself, for each man has equal rights with all others to his opinions. Any act of worship based on opinion is a sin (Romans 14:23). Not many churches are disturbed by an effort on the part of some one to induce the church to turn away from what God has commanded and follow him, but there are matters of expediency, such as building a meetinghouse, baptistries, or using song books and lights. Here no man has a right to force the congregation to adopt his opinion, but in deciding such matters due regard should be had for the comfort, conveniences, and wishes of all concerned. We have never heard of a congregation being disturbed by some one trying to set aside the Lord’s Supper, or wishing to change the elements, but trouble has arisen by some man trying to force others to follow his opinion regarding the time of day, or as to whether there should be one cup or many, and other matters which are purely incidental. Proper forbearance and patient teaching by the leaders of the congregation will frequently lead to harmony and unity of action. If you differ with others in matters incidental, take time to fully, carefully examine your view and determine if indeed there is a matter of faith, or simply an opinion, between you and the others. If only an opinion, try to gracefully adjust yourself to the conditions. With you it is probable that custom, through long-continued use, has become sacred. Be sure that your stand is not determined by custom. Some refuge to make a contribution if they cannot make it in the way which has long been their custom, and thereby they put themselves in the class spoken of by the Savior when he said: "Ye leave the commandment of God, and hold fast the tradition of men" (Mark 7:8).

You select overseers,elders, leaders for your congregation. By this act you express your confidence in their judgment and wisdom. It sometimes happens that in the judgment of these leaders the cherished policy of some would-be leader is not best for the congregation; and in some instances the would-be leader, instead of obeying those who have the rule over him (Hebrews 13:17), proceeds to work up a sentiment against the elders, then calls on the elders to resign; and if they decline, they are voted out. Such procedure always results in division. There is not a shade of scriptural authority for such procedure. "Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God" (2 John 1:9). "Now these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written; that no one of you be puffed up for the one against the other" (1 Corinthians 4:6). inactivity. In every congregation there is a certain amount of vitality which must, and will, find expression in some way. Inactivity promotes discontentment, and this spirit of discontent grows into a spirit of unrest and dissatisfaction with each other. Nagging develops, ill feelings are generated, and strife is the inevitable result. The bishops must share their part of the responsibility for such conditions. They should see that every member is actively engaged in the work of the Lord. Let the elders work off the fighting spirit inherent in people by leading them in an active campaign against sectarians and all other forms of sin (1 Timothy 6:12). If the members of the church do not have something else to fight, they will fight among themselves. Do not strive to conserve the energy of the congregation. It is said that an idle brain is the devil’s workshop, and it is as true in churches as in others. Every Christian is a part of the body of Christ; and by "the working in due measure of each several part, maketh increase of the body unto the building up of itself in love" (Ephesians 4:16). God requires active service on the part of every member. "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Php 2:12). Patience continuance in welldoing is put over against a factious and disobedient course (Romans 2:7-8).

DESIRABILITY OF UNITY. david sang of it. "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Psalms 133:1).

Paul urged it. "Be of the same mind one towards another" (Romans 12:16). "Now I beseech you, brethren, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same things, that there be no division among you; but that ye be perfected together in the same mind and the same judgment" (1 Corinthians 1:10). peter exhorts to it. "Finally, be ye all likeminded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tenderhearted, humbleminded: not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing" (1 Peter 3:8).

Jesus prayed for it. "Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word; that they may all be one" (John 17:20-21).

UNITY POSSIBLE ONLY WHEN—

1. desired. One wonders sometimes whether some congregations want unity. It seems that some members delight in a turmoil. But before unity can be attained or maintained the desire must be strong enough to lead to an effort in that direction, strong enough to hold our personal preferences in subjection. This requires effort. Paul exhorts the brethren to give diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Accompanying a definite desire for unity will be lowliness, meekness, long-suffering, and forbearance toward one another. *’I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling wherewith you are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:1-3).

2. definite program is adopted. All true Christiana want to see the Cause advanced. The congregation should have a definite, well- understood program, with certain constructive work to which they are bending their energies. Each Christian is best fitted for work along some definite line; but when several members are active, and each, endeavoring to do a certain work, tries to induce the church to devote all its energies to his special program, friction is sure to develop. Some members are likely to fall in with each one. Even if one succeeds in inducing the church to commit itself to his program, the one interested in another line of work feels that the church has not dealt fairly with him. This is a bad state of affairs, but it can be easily avoided if the church, under the leadership of wise and wide-awake elders, will map out the different lines of work needed to be done, and designate approximately the amount of money to be expended in each department of their activity; "doing nothing through faction or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself; not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others" (Php 2:3-4). "Shall two walk together except they have agreed" (Amos 3:3).

3. the bible our guide. Should there be unity on any other basis than the Bible, it would not be unity of the Spirit. Unity of the Spirit is that unity brought about by following the Spirit’s teaching. "If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin" (1 John 1:7).

4. Jesus recognized as head. The church is compared to the human body. "For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another" (Romans 12:4-5). In a healthy human body there is unity of action, because all members are controlled by the head. There is work for each member of the human body, as well as for each member of the body of Christ. If any member fails to respond to the head, it is because the connection between the member and the head has in some way been disturbed. So in the church, the spiritual body, over which Jesus is head, and of which we are members, there is unity of action when each member is guided by Jesus, the head. "And he is the head of the body, the church" (Colossians 1:18).

5. self is denied. In our social relations, were it not that we deny ourselves and have due regard for the ideas, rights, and conveniences of others, there would be constant friction, and we would become distasteful and be shunned. In your relations in the church, do not forget to let your conduct be seasoned with salt. "Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good" (Romans 15:2). "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and railing, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another" (Ephesians 4:31-32). "In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another" (Romans 12:10). "Be not wise in your own conceits" (Romans 12:16).

DEALING WITH DIVIDERS.

1. How the church should deal with dividers. "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them that are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned: and turn away from them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and fair speech they beguile the hearts of the innocent" (Romans 16:17-18), The church which entertains, encourages, or fellowships one who divides churches contrary to the doctrine of Christ, or retains in her fellowship one who does such, is failing to obey a positive command of the Lord. Though he be your personal friend, you must not sacrifice the peace and unity of the church on the altar of personal regard. Little attention is paid to the Lord’s command in this matter. We need some conscience along this line. A man can divide a church in one place, and go right into full fel­lowship in another congregation. Sometimes such a one, with no repentance or effort to heal the division he caused in one church, is made a teacher and leader in another church. Such would not be if that church had regard for what the Lord said. "A factious man after the first and second admonition refuse; knowing that such a one is perverted, and sinneth, being self-condemned" (Titus 3:10-11). A factious man is one who causes divisions.

2. How God will deal with dividers. "But unto them that are factious, and obey not the truth, but obey unrighteousness, shall be wrath and indignation, tribulation and anguish" (Romans 2:8-9).

SANCTITY OF THE CHURCH.

Never speak lightly of the church, nor in any way condemn the church. Sin on the part of some member of the church may be condemned, but the church, never! we think the soldiers were hard-hearted and criminal in driving the nails into the Lord’s fleshly body and piercing his side with a spear; but that body was not as dear to him as the church, his spiritual body. How exceedingly sinful, therefore, must the Lord regard him who through his own opinions or selfish ambitions divides the church of the Lord! The doom of such has already been announced. "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man destroyeth the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, and such are ye" (1 Corinthians 3:16-17).

TOPICS FOR INVESTIGATION AND DISCUSSION.

• What Caused the Division of the Kingdom in Israel?

• Show How God, the Son, and the Holy Spirit Are One.

• All Seeing Alike.

• Whose Duty is It to Preach?

• God’s Purpose in Converting Men.

QUESTIONS