I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

1 Corinthians 1:10

We often see unity of the Christian faith as unattainable, an unreasonable, idealistic idea, especially since everyone who doesn’t think exactly right me is wrong about everything. Sarcasm aside, there is an element of truth to that exaggeration. What would Christian unity truly look like?

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.

Romans 6:5

Insistence on a Gospel centered ministry is the best way to start. All factions should be put aside, just as Paul commanded the church in Corinth. Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection matter; little else does. Any matters of opinion and areas where the Lord has accommodated personal choice as well, just as Paul told the Church in Rome. This would mean Gentle correction for those individuals who need to see a more accurate way, like Apollos in Acts. It would also mean a greater emphasis on the urgency and the value of salvation, a recognition that we are in the last days.

More than that, on an individual level, we would participate in that more perfect unity by ourselves seeking more perfection, that is to say more maturity, and more unity with our fellow servants of Christ. After all, Jesus said that whomever wished to be a leader among Christians must become a servant of servants, a servant of all.

We have to cast aside all ego, all clannishness and party spirit and cling to the unity found in the cross. If Christ is truly king in our hearts, we can’t accept anything less.

Ethan Kirl