Charles asked: How far do we go in promoting unity and at what cost?
Paul quotes Isaiah (52:11) in urging the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 6:11-18) to be holy, a word that means "separated unto a unique purpose" among other things. How can we be holy and united at once? Hopefully, we are united in our holiness, but the practical expression of this principle is not easily described in rules and guidelines.
Everyone will have a different answer for this. That is as it should be. When Paul wrote "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12) he wrote in the context of unity through humility. His point was that you cannot accomplish the task of unity, and appropriate separation, if you hold too high an opinion of your position as yours, and claim that it is God's (Proverbs 18:1).
What Paul addresses there is a division based on arrogance. The proper basis for separating is often mentioned in other parts of the New Testament. In general, the issue revolves around a threat to that unity-in-holiness. We are to withdraw from those who reject the standard, yet insist on being involved. We cannot have unity at all costs, as that will necessarily destroy holiness. Yet, we cannot pursue holiness at all costs, because it inevitably leads to a very personal religion that excludes all who won't fall in line with your personal vision. We, as fallen humanity, cannot achieve holiness, because it's not an achievement; it's a state of commitment.
[For particular causes of ostracism, see the lesson on Christian Leadership #5.]
Having eliminated a list of things that no one should tolerate, there are plenty of issues left that can cause disruption and division, depending on severity. Having trouble in the local church is its natural state; God is always shaking His Body to insure those without His strength of resolve cannot hang around too long. When the shaking comes not from Him, it is our responsibility to notice. That's one of the jobs for the Holy Spirit.
We are held accountable for knowing that some problems are just another bit of sharpening of the sword (Proverbs 27:17). A little friction is good for the soul. Indeed, the only man without tension is the dead one. So it is in the local body -- we have to become comfortable with a bit of unresolved tension. My own pastor and I have agreed to differ on certain issues regarding Eschatology. He is Dispensationalist, and I am Reformist. Our denomination (Southern Baptist) has a certain majority opinion, but no test of conscience in this area, beyond "Jesus is coming back."
There are certain difference you must swallow, and go on with the work. There are other differences which arise from the very foundation of the work, and must be resolved. Each body must decide for itself which kind the problem is, and what to do about it. Each individual must discern for himself when a body is tolerable, and when he must depart for other fields.
It's all too easy to image a body that does either to excess. Those who tolerate anything approach Unitarianism, which is a religion based entirely on having unity, and nothing else. Those bodies that demand absolute conformity in great detail are cults. Same for individuals: the overly indulgent fit anywhere and accomplish next to nothing; the strict will forever wander finding no place to rest, and also accomplish nothing.
Our Lord chose to reveal Himself via the Body. Without a fellowship with kindred souls, there can be little of Him seen. "There are no Lone Rangers in the faith" goes the old saying. But the body to which we attach ourselves must be His, or we squander His ownership of us. It is not the case that His Body is Him, but that it reveals Him. While many of His children can advise you where to draw the line, only He can decide for you in the end. That makes the ultimate responsibility what it always was: you must be in close communion with His Spirit first, or this is all academic.
Ed Hurst
31 May 2003
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