Biblical Answer

Unity in the Midst of Disruption: A Biblical Perspective

In a world filled with constant disruptions, it's easy to get caught up in the chaos and lose sight of what's truly important. As Christians, we are called to prioritize unity in the Spirit, which resides in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3). This unity is not just a feeling or a sentiment, but a living, breathing reality that is rooted in the shared Spirit of the community (1 Cor. 12:13). When our plans are constantly being disrupted, it's essential to remember that our unity is not just a goal, but a source of orientation and strength in the midst of turmoil.

Three Steps to Prioritizing Unity

To prioritize unity over division when our plans are being disrupted, we can follow three steps: setting priorities, examining for inefficiency, and starting at the bottom and cutting. First, we must intentionally become directed persons rather than driven persons, learning to prioritize our time and energy on what truly matters. This requires a deep sense of humility, gentleness, patience, and forbearance (Col. 3:12-13). We must be willing to tolerate differences and opinions without being indifferent to truth. Second, we must examine our priorities and eliminate anything that steals life away or has no lasting purpose. This may involve cutting back on non-essential activities or saying "no" to things that don't align with our values. Finally, we must start at the bottom and cut out anything that is not essential to our unity and purpose. This may require making difficult decisions and sacrifices, but ultimately, it will lead to a more focused and effective approach to life.

The Goal of Unity

The goal of prioritizing unity over division is not just to achieve a sense of peace and harmony, but to become the kind of people who can effectively navigate the challenges of life in the midst of turbulence. When we prioritize unity, we are not just working towards a goal, but we are becoming the kind of people who can live out our faith in a way that is authentic, compassionate, and effective. As we strive to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, we are reminded that our unity is not just a human achievement, but a divine gift that is rooted in the shared Spirit of the community. By prioritizing unity and living out our faith in a way that is centered on Christ, we can face the challenges of life with confidence, hope, and peace.