Discipleship Brings Unity

"WE'VE GOT TO UNITE OURSELVES AS
ONE BODY. BECAUSE JESUS IS COMING
BACK FOR A BRIDE, NOT A HAREM"
-Tony Campollo


The future of the church is integrally connected to our unity in Christ's mission. Seeking the unity of Christ's body (the church) is a neccessary component to Christian discipleship. Our life in God is the basis for unity in our life with one another (John 17).

Unfortunately, the church needs to be the first to repent of religious pride, ecclesiastical arrogance, and its own self-sufficency. We live in a day where Christians are decieved into thinking they can live fine without the church or community. But the whole Bible and Christian faith is within the context of relationships and community. God hates schism and division but in some churches, these are almost virtues.

God calls us to repentance and for his whole bride (the church) to come together as one people. This is not a "sola" (only) invisible reality but one that is to be lived out and visibly seen by others. Its a decision for discipleship. Vatican 2 had it right when it said, "division openly contradicts the will of Christ, scandalizes the world, and damages the holy cause of preaching the Gospel to every creature." Oh, if all the major tribes of the church would radically live this out rather than give it mere lip service.

So we pray and wait, serve and hope for that day when the Messianic Banquet takes all of God's divided people and finally unites them (Matt.22:1-14; Rev.19:9).

Do you believe that unity is an important component of Christian discipleship? What should Christians or churches be doing to preserve better the unity of the faith?