Maintaining Biblical Unity
Many years ago, when I worked as a paramedic, I treated a patient with a dislocated joint. As we arrived at the house, we found the patient sitting on the floor, in real pain, holding their right arm.
On initial assessment, it was clear that the patient had a dislocated wrist. The rest of the arm was normal, but the dislocation was visible, and the patient was clearly in pain.
If you’ve ever experienced this type of injury, you know the excruciating pain and the potentially serious nature of a dislocated joint.
On initial assessment, it was clear that the patient had a dislocated wrist. The rest of the arm was normal, but the dislocation was visible, and the patient was clearly in pain.
If you’ve ever experienced this type of injury, you know the excruciating pain and the potentially serious nature of a dislocated joint.
The Church Is the Body of Christ
In his writings, the Apostle Paul likened the local church to the human body, particularly in 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4:15-16, where he uses the human body as a metaphor for the church.
Paul emphasizes the importance of the growth and unity of the church in these letters. He stresses that the church, much like the human body, will not be healthy if all its parts do not work together.
Unity within the body is crucial, and it is built upon Christ and the gospel.
Maintaining biblical unity requires following Jesus Christ.
The Bible serves as the only standard for our obedience to Him. Departing from this normal pattern puts the church at risk of dislocation.
There are several types of dislocations that can occur within a church.
Paul emphasizes the importance of the growth and unity of the church in these letters. He stresses that the church, much like the human body, will not be healthy if all its parts do not work together.
Unity within the body is crucial, and it is built upon Christ and the gospel.
Maintaining biblical unity requires following Jesus Christ.
The Bible serves as the only standard for our obedience to Him. Departing from this normal pattern puts the church at risk of dislocation.
There are several types of dislocations that can occur within a church.
Types of Spiritual "Dislocation"
First, there is the danger of an insubordinate spirit. In the Apostle John’s third letter to the church in Ephesus, he addresses this issue. A man named Diotrephes (3 John 1:9-10) displayed an insubordinate spirit.
When a church member does not submit to Christ’s headship in the local church, they're at risk of falling into this trap.
Those who exhibit this behavior believe they know better than the leadership or have a clearer understanding than God’s appointed leaders.
Similar to Diotrephes, they justify their actions using biblical language but are deviating from Christ's pattern for biblical unity.
Additionally, dislocation can occur when disagreements arise. While there is always room for growth and constructive criticism in line with biblical principles, some within the church may seek to cause dissension.
Paul addresses this in Romans 16:17, urging the believers in Rome to be wary of those who “cause dissension.”
Some individuals are always drawn to drama, while others inadvertently find themselves embroiled in it due to their nature.
However, Paul directly speaks of those who spread untruths within the church, emphasizing that the greatest cause of disunity is false doctrine. It is the duty of all believers to eradicate errors from the church. There is no room for the tolerance of false teaching (Romans 16:17-18).
When a church member does not submit to Christ’s headship in the local church, they're at risk of falling into this trap.
Those who exhibit this behavior believe they know better than the leadership or have a clearer understanding than God’s appointed leaders.
Similar to Diotrephes, they justify their actions using biblical language but are deviating from Christ's pattern for biblical unity.
Additionally, dislocation can occur when disagreements arise. While there is always room for growth and constructive criticism in line with biblical principles, some within the church may seek to cause dissension.
Paul addresses this in Romans 16:17, urging the believers in Rome to be wary of those who “cause dissension.”
Some individuals are always drawn to drama, while others inadvertently find themselves embroiled in it due to their nature.
However, Paul directly speaks of those who spread untruths within the church, emphasizing that the greatest cause of disunity is false doctrine. It is the duty of all believers to eradicate errors from the church. There is no room for the tolerance of false teaching (Romans 16:17-18).
"Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such people are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting."
- Romans 16:17-18 NASB
Finally, selfishness can cause serious harm to the body of Christ. Paul also warns of this in Philippians 2:3-4, emphasizing that everything believers do must be done with others in mind.
Self-interest can disrupt a church. Pursuing unity entails putting others before oneself, specifically prioritizing the glory of Christ over personal desires.
Embracing the old acronym J.O.Y (Jesus, Others, and You) helps eliminate this potential dislocation.
I pray this week’s Pastor’s Pen can help us all pursue unity within the body of Jesus Christ so that we never have any dislocated members.
Self-interest can disrupt a church. Pursuing unity entails putting others before oneself, specifically prioritizing the glory of Christ over personal desires.
Embracing the old acronym J.O.Y (Jesus, Others, and You) helps eliminate this potential dislocation.
I pray this week’s Pastor’s Pen can help us all pursue unity within the body of Jesus Christ so that we never have any dislocated members.
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