Unity is Spiritual in Nature
There has been much talk about unity, especially when seeing a profuse amount of division. Obviously, many have been calling for unity, but the question is, what is the best method? Before diving into that question, perhaps we need to consider the nature of unity. People have come together in many instances in which it was nothing more than tolerating each other. Their hearts were still divided.
Unity in its purest form is spiritual in nature. If it’s to be long-lasting, it cannot be approached in a natural or humanistic manner. Taking this approach relies on our own understanding; instead of the wisdom, and spiritual understanding that comes from God
Unity Requires Holy Spirit
Ephesians 4:1-3 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Clearly, unity requires humility on our part, along with gentleness, patience and forbearance. However, the biggest component is keeping the unity of the Spirit, and that requires submission to Him. Apart from being in unity with Holy Spirit, our efforts would be futile; especially, when considering that some of these elements (meekness, longsuffering) are components of the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23). We cannot white-knuckle it.
For instance, we do not really need to ask for patience, or longsuffering. It’s already inside us through Holy Spirit, which makes it a submission issue. The fruit is from Him; it is not self-generated. We don’t have to read how to be patient in self-help books, since it already exists in us.
We can agree together on many things; nonetheless, if we’re not in agreement with God, we’re still divided. A Christian who does not agree with God, is double-minded. A group of people standing with divided hearts is still divided. We can even agree on some theological point, but if the point is out of alignment with God, we’re still divided. The love needed for unity comes from Him. The wisdom on how to address various issues comes from Him. It is important to focus on maintaining the unity of the Spirit.
