As I lay on the couch facing the TV, in the basement, I had only one thing in my mind, which was to relax and watch any resourceful documentary I could find. As I scrolled pass the children’s section of the channel listings, one show caught my attention. It was Voltron force ,an animated television series that features a team of space explorers that pilot five robot lions which, most times, comes together to form a giant super robot known as “Voltron defender of the universe”. It was my favorite cartoon while growing up. Gripped by nostalgia I chose to watch it. After about ten minutes I really could not relate with it anymore as so much has changed in it. King Zarkon, Haggar (the witch),all villains from planet Doom were no longer there and Prince Lotor is now King Lotor still attacking Pricess Allura and Panet Arus. The new show had new characters as well latest technology driven plot injected into it. However, one thing remained the same, the Voltron force was always united in their fight against evil. As Christians and non-Christians how united are we against things that are threatening our core values and peaceful presence in this generation and that of posterity?
I will like to focus on my faith which is Christianity. The scale of bickering and disunity among Christians is at its most alarming stage. Churches are preaching about other churches and raising their memberships to see non-members of their local assembly or denomination as enemies or outcast.
Though Christ is not divided, His body of believers is.
Like the 21st century church today, the early church, within the framework of New Testament history, had its own problem with unity. To mention a few: The church in Jerusalem was troubled with Judaizers (Acts 11:2; 15:1), the Corinthian congregation had their factious elements that gave inordinate adulation to leaders (1 Corinthians 1:10), and even the beloved Philippian church had its Euodia and Syntyche problem (Philippians 4:2-3).
Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus (Ephesians 4:1-6) addressed the subject of disunity: “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
In response to Christians who follow after individuals rather than Jesus, Paul says that Christ is not divided (1 Cor. 1:12-13). Jesus said that the world would know that we were His disciples by the love that we have for one another (John 13:35). What is most important in your Christian race or life? Should we not also be seeking to love one another as Christ commanded us?
Let us lift each other up and be united in Christ by celebrating diversity with emphasis on the value of unity.
It is true that we all have differences of opinion on the non-essential matters like worship styles or days. But these non-essential differences are no justification for division that sometimes insight anger. Imagine the Christian Church uniting in spite of its differences, and Christians love other church members and non-Christians. What do you think the world would say if the churches’ bickering stopped?
We need to recognize that we have differences of opinions and worship styles which are non-essential but okay.
9 Comments
There’s a strong need for a great revival in God’s work. The Christian leaders must lead by example in preaching unity in diversity regardless of our differences in life. Am worried by the spate of violence in Nigeria and other parts of the world because of people who profits by fanning the embers of differences in terms of religion, tribes and other factors. Now, is the time to confront the down-grade in Christianity. If not , am truly scared for what lies ahead for all of us. More worrisome, most of the issues raised by schindler and Charles Spurgeon are being fulfilled due to our weak faith and yearning for worldly things.
Justine, thanks for visiting. May God help us.
DD,
As you well know, it’s the injection of “self” instead of LOVE. As followers of Christ, we are called to love unconditionally, because it was out of unconditional love that Christ died for our sins. We will continue to pray for the body of Christ to unite in love. Love conquers all.
You are right on point sir. We need to take self out.may we b restored to the place of true love sir. Amen
Little wonder the prayer of Jesus …”Father make them one as we are one…” This is what will make the world to see the glory of God!
Bishop, thanks for visiting. May we return the glory to Him.
On point! Guards might have changed but it is still the same old enemy fighting a disunited church. Such a shame! When are we ever going to ever learn to understand the wiles of the devil and deal with it?
Bishop, thanks for visiting. May we return the glory to Him.
Hello Pastor George, it will divine intervention.