Unity Series: The Benefits of Unity
This is a new series of articles surrounding the history behind Christian unity, where we’ve been, and where we are now.
Jesus basically told us that the most effective strategy for world evangelism will be through Christian unity (see John 17:21-23). So, will this current movement towards unity create the conditions to help build Christ’s Kingdom or will it build the church of deception? I think both are likely to be true at some point in time. In the beginning, the believers began going down this road in order to heed Christ’s plan to draw the world to Himself. Jesus told us that unbelievers are supposed to be so impressed by our love for each other that they will eventually accept Him, as follows (John 17:20-23):
I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
However, it is important to note that there is a very distinct difference between the Christian unity Jesus was speaking of and the ability to coexist in peace with other world religions.
Although, there will likely be some huge benefits from Muslims who decide that coexisting with Christians and Jews in peace is a good idea… hopefully working to stop the bloodshed going on in the name of Islam these days. So, it’s not such a bad thing for the rest of the religious groups to try to get along either. After all, they basically want many of the same things and haven’t we matured enough as a civilization to learn how to agree to disagree on the specifics? Nevertheless, many people really fear that such friendliness will somehow end up diluting Christ’s message which was, in part, that He was the way, truth and light. In other words, no one will get to heaven unless they accept His sacrifice for them. So yeah, that may provide a bone for contention among those who disagree, right? So, that sort of peaceful coexistence is not what Jesus was referring to when He spoke of unity. Although, He would be ashamed at how arrogant some Christians are towards those different from them during their assertions that Christ is the only way. Actually, that is precisely the sort of attitude that this blog was specifically meant to address as the “holier-than-thou,” “I’m always right” stance many people take be they Christian or non religious arises from a wound or wounds sustained during childhood which distorted their self-esteem. So, how beneficial can Christian unity be?
Huge Benefits of Christian Unity
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, Coming down upon the beard, Even Aaron’s beard, Coming down upon the edge of his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon Coming down upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing– life forever. (Psalm 133:2-3)
Despite the potential for Christian unity to be used for evil purposes, nevertheless, the Holy Spirit has most assuredly been leading me in this direction ever since He started me down the path to teach His plan to bring the Church methods to accelerate their transformation.* He made a strong point to highlight for me the fact that unity is one of many benefits to come from this plan. In other words, unity can only be gained if hearts are healed of their identity wounds. This is the plan I presented in Accelerated Transformation, see book to the right.
Of course, the natural fruits that are produced as a result of our personal transformation are going to gain us greater intimacy with those we care the most about. This happens to people who have gained a higher sense of security within. When I say security, I don’t mean pride or arrogance either. These arise as the result of insecurity. They are meant to give one a false sense of security and a false identity creating masks that people hide behind. But this security has no foundation in truth but lies created to delude people from a very young age. Remember, any house that is built on sinking sand will go down during a storm.
Inner security gives us the ability to be more mature (less defensive, less self-absorbed) as well as more vulnerable and humble with others.
This sort of vulnerability and humility makes us more capable of hearing the hearts of those we are listening to in our relationships (including God’s). It is hard to hear what others actually have to say when we filter what’s being said that listens for how we are being perceived by others. This isn’t something we were born with. It comes from social shame and the social engineering efforts of the media, educational institutions, etc. When a person is healed of their wounds of toxic, false shame, they are able to give those they are talking to the gift of active listening rather than interjecting their words right on top of the speaker’s, generally in defense of themselves or making sure nothing is being said which might seem as if they are “less than” others.
Think about it. When was the last time someone actually listened wholeheartedly to you? It’s a rare, but very precious thing, indeed. When was the last time you listened for God to speak to you rather than filling the air with all of your own prayer requests? There is a very good reason why He tells us to, “Be still and know I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
What will naturally arises from the vulnerability and humility that come from our emotional healing will be greater maturity and unity with others. Because, when you come right down to it, listening to others’ points of view is what helps one appreciate why they are taking the stand or have the opinions they hold. Only then are people able to feel “safe” enough to discuss the possibility of considering that they might want to change those views.
Opening our hearts to hear the points of view of others can build the trust needed to make progress in any discussion. Trust is built when we feel our closely held views are going to be respected and our hearts are going to be heard. This is the only way to come anywhere close to reaching some sort of consensus regarding certain controversial or contentious differences in the interpretation of Scripture.
The following is an example of the transformation process David du Plessis went through when joining the ecumenical movement. Recounting a meeting with 24 ecumenical leaders in Connecticut, this Pentecostal leader among the Charismatic movement, wrote:
- I could remember days when I had wished I could have set my eyes upon such men to denounce their theology and pray the judgment of God upon them for what I considered their heresies and false doctrines. … After a few introductory words, I suddenly felt a warm glow come over me. I knew this was the Holy Spirit taking over, but what was He doing to me? Instead of the old harsh spirit of criticism and condemnation in my heart, I now felt such love and compassion for these ecclesiastical leaders that I would rather have died for them than pass sentence upon them.[1]
Du Plessis had to endure many hardships from his own denomination for his expanded point of view. They even asked him to resign from the Assemblies of God for going in this direction. It would take another thirty years for them to see the err of their ways to re-institute his ordination with them.
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*Accelerated Transformation: Maturity, Intimacy, and Unity through Emotional Healing by Tracey Nelson can be found at http://thespotlessbride.com or click on the image at the top right hand side of this page.
Christ's Spotless Bride 