Biblical Answer

The Importance of Unity

Unity is a vital component in our lives, especially when we are faced with chaos and uncertainty. As the Bible teaches, "there is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all" (Ephesians 4:4-6). This unity is not just a goal, but a reality that exists within the Body of Christ. It is a unity that is rooted in the Spirit shared by the community, and it is this unity that allows us to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). This unity is not just a feeling or an emotion, but a reality that is grounded in the truth of God's Word.

Challenges to Unity

However, this unity is often challenged by our values and the chaos of the world around us. When we hold to a view of dichotomy that separates facts from values, we can easily become divided and fragmented. We may see the world as a place of either-or, where our values and our actions must be one or the other. This can lead to a kind of dogmatism that insists on a linear fulfillment of our values, or skepticism that denies them any fulfillment at all. But this is not the way of the Christian. We are called to live in the tension between our values and the world around us, to live in a way that is whole and complete, even in the midst of uncertainty and chaos.

Prioritizing Unity

So how do we prioritize unity over division when our values are constantly being challenged by chaos and uncertainty? The answer is simple: we prioritize unity by living in the Spirit and maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. We do this by being humble, gentle, patient, and forbearing, and by being eager to hear from others and to learn from them. We do this by recognizing that our values are not just our own, but are rooted in the truth of God's Word. And we do this by trusting in the sovereignty of God, who is able to bring order out of chaos and to guide us in the midst of uncertainty. When we live in this way, we can face the challenges of the world with confidence and hope, knowing that we are united in the Spirit and that we are not alone. As the Bible teaches, "if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself" (2 Timothy 2:13). This is the foundation on which we can build our lives, and on which we can prioritize unity over division in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.