By Tony Clark
January 2009
Areas of disunity because of clashing or differing points of view or beliefs can be surrendered if these areas are not essential key main beliefs. (Like the structure of a building, and the foundations, but the adorning or finishing touches can vary and not compromise the integrity of the building). “Do not debate / argue over doctrine”, it’s important that Christ died for our sins and rose and lives, and that we now live in Him, His love is important, but small discrepancies that we are unwilling to put aside due to our pride are stumbling blocks that are unacceptable.
The reasons behind why we hang on to such things needs to be looked at, because it’s past hurts and unforgiveness that holds us back from unity. We can be very hateful in our differences, just look at racial issues, how hatred springs from us not being able to accept each other because of small things - the colour of our skin. I believe that disunity is learnt when we are very young, through rejections, not understanding each other, hurt feelings, and the resulting coldness and callousness of heart, or the choice to reject others based on our own rejections.
Agreement is the key component to unity. It is the bond of unity. When we come together in unity we agree. “And the people having one mind …agreeing …having all things in common …one voice”. That’s where God can dwell! Where there is unity. It’s the key thing that we lack, the “churches” are divided, leaders are divided, and the people are cordoned off, keeping them from true life in Christ.
