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“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3.)
Introduction
The prophet Amos asks, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3.) This is a question that must be faced up to in our fellowship with other believers. Unity is a vital part of walking worthy.
Jesus’ Prayer
The unity of the Spirit is maintained by those believers who walk in humility, patience, gentleness and love. The Lord Jesus prayed that His followers, of all generations, might be united … “That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent me” (John 17:21.) Therefore our testimony in this world depends upon our unity.
The World does not understand Unity
The world does not have the capability to understand true unity, so it cannot produce it. Instead there is war, discord, bitterness, one-upmanship and resentment at all levels of society. Only the true church of Jesus Christ has the capacity to be united. The church is meant to be an oasis in a wilderness. Without unity the church is nothing more than a social club. We must show this fallen and godless world what our Lord taught, but this can only be accomplished if there is true and holy unity amongst Bible-believing Christians.
Diligence Required
Christian unity depends upon the characteristics of a worthy walk, which are gentleness, patience and forbearance. Without these virtues unity will quickly disappear, but there is another vital ingredient. Unity is maintained through diligence. Paul says, “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” The word “endeavouring” can be translated as “be diligent about.” The Greek word here is ‘spoudazo’ meaning “be speedy, make every effort, be prompt, and be earnest about.” Straight away we can see that maintaining unity is not going to be easy.
Unity begins in each individual’s heart. We must walk in holiness ourselves before we can even hope to establish unity amongst believers. Also, we must all be ‘singing from the same hymn sheet’ if unity is to exist. We cannot walk worthy in unity unless we be agreed. We must make every effort and be determined to get along with others. Many issues will arise to destroy unity amongst those of love the Lord, but this is the very reason why diligence is necessary.
Interdenominational Unity
The unity we are referring to has little, if anything, to do with interdenominational unity. There are doctrines that will always separate Christian groups until the Lord comes back. It is certain that we must disagree with the teachings of those who claim to be Christian denominations yet enter into the false spirit of ecumenism. No unity can be established between us and them. Paul was writing to a local body of believers. Each local church must maintain unity amongst its membership. Each member must make sure that they are walking worthy of Christ Jesus. If we cannot agree on the authority and practice of God’s word, then we cannot agree at all.
Conclusion
Unity in our fellowship with one another demands maximum dedication, self-sacrifice, obedience and humility. True unity begins with individual members of the church walking worthy before the Lord. If we are one with Christ we cannot but be one with each other.