The Unity Movement
     One of the most important and prominent issues, during the last decade and to the present, is the issue of unity among Christians. What can one say but, “Amen!” We are clearly commanded by scripture to pursue the unity of the Spirit. Paul says: 

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3 NKJV)

     However, there also exists a certain attitude toward unity that is shallow and unrealistic. Most of us have heard people say something like, “Why does there have to be all the different churches? Why can't we just all love Jesus? That's all that matters.” 

     First, unity is not produced by getting everyone together in one place. Unity is not uniformity. I have had the opportunity to  participate in several inter-church events and organizations. I participated in forming a local minister's organization and remain a member of it today. In our group there is a wide range of beliefs and yet we maintain a good bond of peace among us. 

     Second, we have to realize that everyone who names the name of Christ is not a Christian. Living in the cookie jar does not make the mouse a cookie. Sometimes we must make a judgment on those who claim to be “inside” the church. We have no mandate in scripture to pursue unity with so-called Christians who deviate from the truth. 

But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; not even to eat with such a person. For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? (1 Corinthians 5:11-12 NKJV) 

     We all noticed the strong surge of unity that developed after the September 11 attacks. Though tragic, these attacks served to unify our nation. Everyone was displaying the stars and stripes and bickering between Republicans and Democrats all but vanished (at least temporarily). Why? Because we had a common cause: to defeat terrorism. 

     Unity is a good thing, but it should never become the goal or primary focus. Unity pursued for the sake of unity always does damage to truth and results in a weak impotent group that doesn't take a stand for much of anything. However, unity based on a godly cause has a future. Unity is not the cause, it is the result of the cause. Give people a common cause and they will overlook their differences. 

The Main Cause
     There are many sub-causes among Christians, most of which have their legitimate place in the grand scheme of God's purpose. Unfortunately however, these causes often become reason for division and result in various “camps” who become competitors instead of team members. This is due, in large part, to the sub-cause becoming the main cause. But once the main cause is identified, then the sub-causes are more easily seen as supporting elements to the main cause. Identifying the main cause also makes a counterfeit cause evident. With no common cause, everyone's “sub-cause” is legitimate.  But when the primary cause is clear, those elements that hinder it become evident. 

     So what is the main cause? For all practical purposes, it has to be the Kingdom of God! Jesus said, "I must preach the kingdom of God ... because for this purpose I have been sent" (Luke 4:43). Didn't Jesus teach us to pray for the kingdom of God to come on earth as it is in heaven (Matt 6:10)? 

     To some extent since September 11, the issue of world peace has been on everyone's mind. World peace is a good cause. Don't you think so? God does. The angelic announcement of Jesus’ birth included the words, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14). Jesus came to bring peace on earth. He came to preach the kingdom of God (a kingdom of peace) and taught that we should pray for it to come on earth. The Apostle Paul exhorts us to get our “preparation shoes” on concerning the good news of peace (Eph. 6:15). 

     Yet, many Christians have a view of the kingdom of God that is too mystical to translate into practical preparation. According to surveys I have done, nearly 90% (probably more) are missing the main cause. Most of us are focused on getting to heaven instead of getting heaven here. Most are preparing to leave the earth instead of preparing the earth to receive the Prince of Peace and the kingdom of peace. 

Too Controversial? 
     Yes, the statements above may be controversial to some. But avoiding controversy (pursuing unity) is not the main cause. Jesus said, 

Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;  and a man's enemies will be those of his own household. (Matthew 10:34-36) 

True Unity 
    Controversy is inevitable. So let’s quit shying away from it! In fact, when approached with wisdom, it is a necessary element in the pursuit of true unity. To avoid controversy is to settle for the amount of truth we currently have. If we want true unity, then we must seek God concerning the controversial issues that challenge our perception of truth. This is what made the Bereans more noble (fair-minded) than those at Thessalonica (see Acts 17:10-11). 

     True unity can only come when we are all hearing Jesus. If there is controversy or disagreement on biblical truth (I am not talking about things that are matters of personal preference or style), then logic dictates that someone is not hearing God. God does not contradict Himself. Let's face it, unity without common belief and purpose is not really unity; it is courtesy. Therefore, let’s be courteous and rejoice in the truth (and thus the unity) we already have, while we continue to seek God for more truth. 

     Here is the bottom line: Unity is a good thing, but it is a poor cause. Therefore, I pray that God will give us common understanding and passion for the main cause that will result in true unity and powerful purpose.