The Power of Unity in Christ's Church

In a world that seems increasingly divided, the concept of unity takes on profound significance, especially within the context of the Christian faith. The prayer of Jesus in John 17, often referred to as the high priestly prayer, offers a compelling vision of what it means to be a unified church. This prayer, uttered just before Christ's crucifixion, reveals the heart of God for His people and provides a blueprint for how believers should relate to one another and to the world.

At its core, the unified church is built on three fundamental pillars: unified identity, unified integrity, and unified intentionality. These pillars, when embraced wholeheartedly, have the power to transform not only individual believers but also the collective body of Christ.

Unified Identity: Belonging to God

The first pillar of a unified church is a shared identity rooted in belonging to God. Jesus prays, "I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours" (John 17:9). This profound statement highlights the special relationship between God and His people. As believers, our primary identity is not found in our occupation, affiliations, or even our denominational ties, but in the fact that we belong to God.

This belonging is not accidental or incidental; it is intentional and sacrificial. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, "You are not your own, for you were bought with a price." Our identity in Christ should reshape everything else about us, causing all other identities to fall under His lordship.

When we truly grasp this unified identity, it changes how we view ourselves and others within the church. We begin to see fellow believers not as competitors or strangers, but as family members, all equally cherished by our Heavenly Father. This shared identity becomes the foundation for true unity, transcending cultural, social, and personal differences.

Unified Integrity: Sanctified by Truth

The second pillar of a unified church is a commitment to integrity, grounded in God's truth. Jesus prays, "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth" (John 17:17). This prayer reveals that unity in the church is not about uniformity, but about a shared commitment to being transformed by God's Word.

Sanctification – the process of becoming more like Christ – is a journey that all believers are on, albeit at different stages. The beauty of a unified church lies in its ability to rejoice in this shared journey, supporting and encouraging one another along the way. It's not about perfection, but about progress. Even the Apostle Paul acknowledged his own imperfection, writing in Philippians 3:13-14, "But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

This commitment to integrity through God's Word sets the church apart from the world. Jesus acknowledges that the world will hate His followers because they are not of the world (John 17:14). However, this opposition should not deter us. Instead, it should strengthen our resolve to cling to God's truth and to support one another in living out that truth.

Unified Intentionality: Purposeful Oneness

The third pillar of a unified church is intentional oneness. Jesus prays not only for His immediate disciples but also for future believers, "that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me" (John 17:21).

This unity doesn't happen by accident. It requires purposeful effort and a mindset fixed on being one in Christ. It means choosing to focus on what unites us rather than what divides us. It means giving each other the benefit of the doubt and exercising love, even in disagreements.

Interestingly, Jesus connects this unity directly to the church's witness to the world. A unified church becomes a living testimony to the reality of God's love and the transformative power of the gospel. In a world marked by division and polarization, the unity of believers stands out as a beacon of hope and a reflection of God's character.

Practical Application: The Essence of Unity

So how do we live out this unity in practical terms? An ancient saying provides wisdom: "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity." This approach allows for unity without demanding uniformity. It recognizes that while there are core truths we must agree on, there is also room for diversity of thought and practice on less central issues.

Within our local church, defining these essentials is crucial. Here at Pawhuska First Baptist, here are 7 Statements in which we allow Jesus to define for us through His Word and in which we seek to anchor ourselves to as we pursue unity together.

1. God is triune in nature, with Jesus as the incarnate Messiah and Lord of all.
2. God's love is supreme.
3. In His love, we love others.
4. The Bible is inerrant.
5. God's calling to be His disciples shapes our lives.
6. God's command to make disciples shapes our purpose.
7. God's love, His word, His calling, and His purpose unite us together in Him.

When we as a church body can agree on such foundational truths, it provides a strong basis for unity in all other areas.

The Call to Unity

The prayer of Jesus for unity is a powerful reminder of God's heart for His church. It challenges us to look beyond our differences and focus on our shared identity in Christ, our common commitment to His truth, and our collective purpose in the world.

As we strive for this unity, we must remember that it's not about erasing our uniqueness or suppressing disagreements. Rather, it's about learning to love and support one another, growing truth together, despite our differences, and always keeping our eyes fixed on Christ.

In a world that is increasingly fragmented, the unified church stands as a powerful witness to the reconciling power of the Gospel. It's a testimony to the fact that in Christ, through the Holy Spirit, people from all backgrounds can come together in love and purpose.

May we, as followers of Christ, take to heart this prayer for unity. May we intentionally seek to build bridges, foster understanding, and cultivate a spirit of oneness that reflects the very nature of our triune God. For in our unity, we not only find strength and encouragement but also become a living demonstration of God's love to a watching world.