Biblical Answer

Embracing Unity in the Midst of Turbulence

As followers of Christ, we are called to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). This unity is not a natural occurrence, but rather it requires intentional effort and a commitment to the shared Spirit that resides within our community (1 Corinthians 12:13). When our plans are constantly being disrupted, it can be easy to let division and disunity creep in. However, we must prioritize unity over division, even in the midst of chaos.

To prioritize unity, we must first understand that it is a goal worth striving for. As the Bible reminds us, unity is a source of strength and orientation in a turbulent world (Ephesians 4:3). When we pursue unity, we are not just working towards a theoretical concept, but rather we are seeking to reflect the character of God Himself (Ephesians 4:32-5:2). In order to prioritize unity, we must be intentional about setting priorities, examining our actions for inefficiency, and being willing to start at the bottom and cut out things that are not essential. This requires us to become directed persons, rather than driven persons, and to learn to say "no" to things that steal life away or have no lasting purpose.

In our pursuit of unity, we must also cultivate virtues such as humility, gentleness, patience, and forbearance. These virtues allow us to be tolerant of others, even when we disagree, without being indifferent to truth. By embracing these virtues, we can create an environment where unity can flourish, even in the midst of disruption and chaos. As we prioritize unity, we must also be willing to examine our own hearts and actions, and to ask ourselves how we can better support and edify one another. By doing so, we can create a community that is marked by unity, peace, and love, even in the midst of turbulent circumstances.