by Dr. Paul Chappell

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

Galatians 3:28

One of the devil's biggest attack on churches is through the disunity of believers.

Someone once said, "Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, but just look at what they can do when they stick together." Unity is a term that is sometimes misrepresented in our world. Unsaved leaders believe a unity of countries will bring peace. Misguided religious leaders believe a unity of faiths will bring salvation. This kind of unity can only bring greater destruction. But on the other hand, proper unity can be a very good thing. Unity of vision is a must for any company. Unity of coworkers helps accomplish great things. And a unity of teammates helps win the game.

Notice Paul's description of unity, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." Speaking to the troubled Galatian church, Paul points out a very important fact: they were now one body with one goal moving in one direction.

Unity is vital to the health of a church body. Consider this concept another way. When running, a runners entire body is working together to propel him to his goal. His feet run to the pace his brain has set. His arms alternate in motion to help his momentum. His breathing is steady and precise. His heartbeat is quickened to push blood to the straining muscles. Even certain body systems shut down temporarily to help the body concentrate on one goal-crossing the finish line. Were every part of the body not in agreement and unity, the runner would not be able to accomplish his goal.

The church body is a living, functioning body. The pastor, as the head, receives guidance from God and directs the church. The deacons or elders serve under the pastor and fulfill a specific role. Certain members help in the music ministry, others serve in the nursery, some serve in hospitality, and some serve in maintenance and upkeep. Each ministry is vitally important and without its function the church would not be able to accomplish its goal-seeing the Gospel given to those who need it.

Often the devil attacks churches by chipping away at unity among believers. One old preacher stated, "Among Christians there ought to be so great a dislike of schism, as that they may always avoid it so fast as lies in their power." Have you ever noticed that the devil likes to use petty things to break the unity of believers? A visitor in a regular attendees seat, a change in program, the temperature of the auditorium, or even a new carpet color. It doesn't take much to upset some people. Yet sometimes bigger problems can cause us to break unity as well.

Have you ever been hurt (willfully or not) by a fellow believer? We all have! People aren't perfect, and neither are Christians. If you haven't experienced it yet, some time in your life a fellow Christian will disappoint you. While the devil would love for you to break unity with that believer, God desires for you to look past your hurt feelings, a petty difference, or an awkward situation and seek unity.

Remember Paul's words, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." There are no longer rich Christians and poor Christians; educated and uneducated believers; talented and untalented Christians; or Christians with different backgrounds. Each local church must strive for one goal-seeing lost people saved.

Don't allow small differences (or even major ones, for that matter) to break the unity of your church. Disputes will come and your feelings may be hurt, but focus on retaining unity with your fellow believers so God's will can be accomplished. Submit yourself, humble your pride, and allow God to work through you and your church.

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Deuteronomy 10-12 | Mark 12:1-27