I have noticed that the idea of unity in Christian circles has grown to almost mythic proportions. I use the term "mythic" because no one appears to have found unity. It is as if it is an elusive thing that we are to strive for but cannot be found. I think I know why unity is so elusive in Christian circles.
The first and most easily demonstrated reason is that we include our enemies in those circles. Yes, enemies! The Bible makes clear that friendship with the world is enmity with God. Whoever is a friend of the world is an enemy of God. We cannot win the world through friendship. All that this accomplishes is a dilution of the power of the church to transform the world as the immanent affective presence of God's Spirit is diluted.
The second reason I see is that we seek unity in the wrong way. Every ministry is trying to get other ministries to join them in their cause. I have been told so many times by followers how cool our vision is and how I need to talk to their pastor about what we are doing so their church can participate. I have learned over time to put the ball back in their court and ask them to have their leader call me. Yes, I am still waiting for all those calls that never come. Why don't they call? They are busy. Busy busy busy ... Why should they call. They are already using all of their available resources doing what God has called them to do. Leadership working together is not the answer to the issue of unity.
The answer to the issue of unity is to address the inactive and unbelieving that permeate the American Church. If the leadership would challenge the people to live what they profess and to get out and do something, we could start to see unity develop. If the goal was no longer building "their church" but rather transforming the world, then unity could develop. If we finally said to the world - "You can't take part in what happens on Sunday unless you respond to the Gospel with repentance" - we could start to see unity develop. Once the enemies of God are outside the Holy Assembly, we could start to see the Spirit develop unity in those who He indwells.
So here is why I am forsaking the goal of unity - I cannot make it happen! According to John, fellowship and unity are a work of the Holy Spirit. He is the only one that can bring unity. I will now focus on action. If you profess Christ and do not walk in what you profess, my goal is to encourage and exhort you to live what you claim. Get out and serve the world. As you start walking in your faith, God will start to work in you. As we walk together in service to the world, the Holy Spirit will develop unity in us. I am convinced it cannot happen in any other way. God must do it and He works as His Spirit flows through our gifting as we serve the lost and dying world. All we have of value to offer the world is that part of God that dwells in us, that eternal Gospel, that living water we carry around in broken jars.
So I am sorry to all of you who want to "fix" the church from within. Its not about your church. It is about a lost people and thousands die each day without knowing Christ. Many because our enemy has convinced them of lies about God because of what they see in His people. If we - His people - will go and show them love, care, compassion, and the truth, we may just find that thing we all desire.
By the way, I want to add a couple of truths for you. It is not about you it is about God's Glory. He is not glorified by your large building. He is glorified when His people obey. Also, there is nothing going on in your building on Sunday that can't happen out there in the real world. Why do we arrogantly tell the world that they must come to us to find God? People can find God anyplace. They don't need your church to find God. (see the Apostle Paul's story) Isn't it time we started going to them with no strings attached. If you serve the God I read about in the Bible then you can trust Him to work outside the walls. It just may be where He does His best work.
