Unity in the body of Christ is vital to the spreading of the gospel. It transforms our lives and the lives of those around us, deepening the work of God’s common grace – His blessing and goodness for all of humanity – in the world around us. In the beginning of Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth, he implores them not to fight about different teachings or say they follow Paul or Apollo or even Peter. (1 Corinthians 1:12-17). He implores them to follow Christ, and to lean into the power of the cross. Because Christ is not divided.
On the surface, it might seem contradictory, but being “perfectly united in mind and thought” must leave room for disagreement. God’s creation is FULL of diversity, variety and seeming chaos; but in its balance, it reflects the God who orders our steps, the God who promises to restore what was broken, to set right disrupted unity and the purpose in our work.
The chaos of creation points to the order of the Creator. What if we are most Christlike when we choose unity despite our differences? And though they seem in disagreement, dissonant chords make beautiful music and create a fuller sound, even if they never find resolution this side of eternity.
In order to live out Christ’s love, to bring peace and do excellent work, our goal must be to work together with others in unity, despite our differences. Doing so promotes healthy workplace community. And when we arealso united in love and purpose with coworkers who love Jesus, it sends a powerful, attractional message to those who do not yet know Him that they do not need to look like us to fully follow Jesus.
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. 1 Corinthians 1:10
