Unity
It has been an objection to the Truth of Christianity that many denominations and doctrinal opinions exist in professing Christian world. Christians, in the minds of many people, cannot seem to unite under a common message and tradition. Now this is exaggerated because Christians do have quite a lot in common, such as belief in the historical accounts of Jesus and the important doctrines and practices that come from those stories.
But this does bring up a sad fact: the Church for the past five hundred years has swallowed the "Protestant" doctrine of interpreting Scripture the way the individual feels should be interpreted and the notion that the "true/loving church" must consist of people of common attributes or denominational orthodoxy. The result has been schisms, departures, and even heresies. There are many other reasons of course but this is what flies through mostly unchallenged in many Christian circles. But we need not despair over the prominence of this phenomenon because God gave us in His word the means to reunite the Church throughout the world and within our area.
First we need what is called the 'unity of the Spirit;' that comes when we are humble, meek, and connected by Christian orthodoxy. (Ephesians 4) Then we need to heed 1 Corinthians 1:10 which says that the church must speak the 'same thing.' In context, this postulates that the church must not get into special groups or positions that contrast themselves with each other group or position. This does not mean that members cannot hold differing opinions on certain things, but it does mean that the church must be united in their message to each other and the world which should be the word of God.
So what if we do have differing views on certain things in Scripture? Romans 14 has some instruction on this matter; this chapter deals with a tension between believers over dietary laws. The believers are classified as 'strong' or 'weak;' Doug Wilson touched on this in his sermon clip, "Strong and Weak - both called to humility:"
"This problem manifested itself in the very first years of the Christian churches existence. This is why Paul had to distinguish between the “strong” and the “weak” (Rom. 15:1), and this is why he had to tell the strong to bear with the weak. There is a temptation to resentment that works in two directions. The strong get something going, and those who need that strength (for whatever reason) are attracted to it, and attach themselves. The strong resent “the drag.” Then the weak begin to resent the strong out of envy. Who do they think they are? Strong and weak both are called to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God—and He will lift them up." ~ Transcript of the sermon, "Grace and Cultural Building."
In this passage, the strong recognized that the New Covenant was at hand and that the Jew/Gentile basis of the ceremonial laws was fulfilled in Christ. The weak did not see it quite that way and felt that the laws were still applicable to them, having been written down by inspiration. Paul exhorts them to perform their activities in faith and love. Drawing from this example, when our disagreement is rooted in Scripture, we learn to work through our differences and unite under the Lordship of Christ.
Respect
Our church right now is going through a plateau. We're moving at a very slow pace with little progress towards being fit to engage our community and culture. Not everyone is enthusiastic about the vision that our pastors have set before us. As a result, temptations have arisen for some to be bitter towards one another for ether delaying the progress or opposing what they want personally. God's exhortation to "in honor preferring one another" is needed now more than ever, because it is a matter of time before well-intended brothers and sisters in our church harvest hatred for the church. In fact, this process is already been going on for the past three, perhaps four, years. (I'm not going to say who.) This would not be if everyone would remember that 'love thinketh no evil (ill)' of one another.
Having unity is impossible if there is no respect for one another. This does not mean agreeing with faulty viewpoints but it does mean that as kings and queens under Christ, all of us ought to show honor to one another in how we speak and how we act. If you seen the exposition of John Gill in a previous post on respect, you get pretty good applications from that exposition on Romans 12:10.
But in case 18th century isn't that appealing to read, I'll go over some of what he said:
Christians should think highly of each other. Is that too hard? Do you really think that the church is trying to ruin you? Do you really think that you are being oppressed? Shouldn't we assume that unless the church has displayed sinful hostility to us personally and/or to Christ, everyone is trying to draw us to a greater joy and peace in Christ?
Christians should not engage in smearing one another behind closed doors, especially if there is no blatant offense. If there is a problem, the offended should in meekness bring it before the attention of the offender for reconciliation. Talking behind someone's back without the intent of reconciliation is just pathetic.
Christians do not need evidence of respect to show respect. The only worthiness of respect that a Christian needs is that person is a committed believer in Christ. They should as some translations say, "outdo one another in showing honor." (Romans 12:10b ESV)
Conclusion
All of these things takes courage and commitment; not everyone appreciates being discipled. We need the Spirit to fill our hearts with grace and tenderness. The consequences of not obeying Scripture are sad, which is why we are warned in Hebrews to watch out lest a heart of unbelief should arise within us. (Hebrews 3:12-14)
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