105 – Why Isn't There Unity in the Body of Christ?
105 – Is it possible to have unity in the body of Christ?
Have you ever wondered why there are so many different Christian denominations? And why isn't there more unity in the body of Christ?
In doing a little research for this episode, I found estimates ranging from 1,200 up to about 40,000 different Christian denominations.
If we all believe in Jesus, why can't we agree on everything else?
Why is the Church divided?
If you want to know how, study history. I think the more important question to ask is: Why does this happen? Why does it still happen?
In this week's episode, I talk about two basic reasons: It's about the difference your perspective can make on how you see the Bible. And the filter or lens we look through also changes what we see and believe.
Paul metaphorically describes the church as "the body of Christ"
Just as each part of the human body has a different place and function that coordinates and contributes to the whole, so in the body of Christ, all believers have a unique place and a function that no one else can fill, different gifts, talents, and abilities. Paul encourages all of us to work together in harmony and appreciate how all the different gifts work together as a whole.
Maybe you’re in a church that is the very right hand in the body of Christ. That doesn't mean that everyone else has to be just like you.
But isn't that how many Christians think? They know they are sincere Christians and falsely assume everyone must be just like them in order to be Christian. They have defined "Christian" as being the right hand. They even have their suspicions of the left hand: "I mean really, they have everything backwards."
And too bad for Christians in the left foot of the body of Christ. The right hand Christians think they have to convert the left foot Christians to be just like them.
Christian unity
But the body of Christ is not and cannot be a giant right hand. There are many members or parts and each has a unique place, perspective, and function. Each has something different to offer to the whole that no one else can.
Do you really want unity in the body of Christ if it means letting each member of the body of Christ be themselves? Or do you still want everyone to be just like you?
We need to let go of our personal perspectives and opinions and see things from Christ’s perspective. And we have to let the Holy Spirit wash our mental and spiritual “kitchen windows” that we don’t even realize are dirty.
When we do this, we will be able to say with Paul, "There is neit
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
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