One of Jesus' final concerns was for the unity of those who would believe in him. John 17:11, 21 What may not be quite as obvious is how God's people are to achieve this unity. As a general principle, unity is achieved when people unite upon a principle or a set of goals which supersede all other personal desires or preferences which might otherwise cause them to differ. In other words, in view of what is really important, smaller concerns are set aside that the important goal can be achieveed. We can see this general principle of unity at work in many situations such as during war time as a nation rallies together. Although God and his work through Christ have made the unity he desires possible (Ephesians 4:4-6, 10-13), what are those goals God would have us to pursue as his people?
Truth
Having faithfully delivered God's word to the disciples, Jesus prayed that those who would believe in him would be united. John 17:8,14,17,19 The context of Jesus' prayer for unity reveals that the unity Jesus sought is predicated upon people responding to the truth contained in God's word.
Similarly, Paul's formula for unity which he prescribed to a divided body was built around truth. By pointing out that the messenger's teachings will be judged by God and therefore the messenger needs to be a faithful steward of God's message, Paul emphasized both the necessity of faithfully transmitting the divine standard found in God's word as well as obeying it. 1 Corinthians 3:12-17; 4:1-6
Glorify God, Not Charismatic Individuals
Another element of Paul's unity prescription for Corinth included placing value upon God. Unfortunately, some were falsely elevating the human messenger instead of the One who makes everything possible. Such a wrong focus had created false goals that can lead to division. The unity God desires comes from properly placing the exaltation upon God and his work. 1 Corinthians 3:4-7, 10
Striving Together for the Gospel
Apparently the Christians in Philippi needed to be reminded of some overarching goals that truly matter. When complaining and arguing erupt, you can be sure that people are focusing upon the lesser values of such things as "I did not get my way" or "she is against me."
Paul's message to this group of Christians who were apparently embroiled in controversy (Philippians 2:14; 4:2) was to call them to the higher standard involved in evaluating everything in the light of the question: Is the gospel being advanced? Philippians 1:17-18, 27; 2:16 For Christians, whether the faith of the gospel is being furthered should override personal concerns or even whether others might be perceived as being against me. See also 1 Corinthians 9:19-23; 10:31-33
Adopting the Mind of Christ: Love
A persistent theme in Paul's letters where he deals with troubled churches caught in divisiveness involves pointing them to become loving people, that is, to adopt the mind of Christ.
Unlike words and actions emanating from such self-centered concerns as "look at what she did to me," "they should have done this the way that I said," or which might revolve around a preoccupation with my hurt and my rights, the mind of Christ focuses upon the more important issue of tending to the needs of others. Philippians 2:3-8.
To the divided churches at Rome (Romans 14:1-3) and at Corinth, Paul emphasized the need of each Christian to place the well-being of others ahead of their own personal preferences and rights (Romans 14:13, 19; 15:2-3; 1 Corinthians 8:13; 9:12, 19-23) in order that God might grant them a spirit of unity. Romans 15:5-6
God's work involves uniting people in Christ. Those who follow Jesus are to build others up (love), not destroy the work of God by demanding their rights or focusing upon themselves. Romans 14:15, 19-20; 1 Corinthians 8:1,9-13
Conclusion
Whenever God's people value what God deems significant (e.g. truth, exalting God instead of man, furthering the gospel and adopting the mind of Christ) as being more important than their own rights, feelings, preferences and opinions, the nature of God's kingdom which is righteousness, peace and joy ought to flourish. Romans 14:17
Barry Newton, Copyright © 2001
Other Articles Which Might Be of Interest
Unity - What Causes Division? (Part 1)
Unity - Paul's Prescription (Part 2)