The Reformed Life

A man heard his daughter and some of her friends arguing loudly in the backyard. He went out and reprimanded her. “But Daddy,” she protested, “we were just playing church.” Steven Cole says, “It’s sad, but true, that the church of Jesus Christ has often been marked more by factions than by fellowship.”

Unity in the church is a beautiful reflection of the gospel, but it’s also fragile. Disunity often arises when we lose sight of our shared identity in Christ. As one author put it, when there are horizontal factions within the church, the vertical—our relationship with God—is “out of whack.” 

This post flows from my personal daily devotions as I’ve embarked on a study of 1 Corinthians this year. In 1 Corinthians 1:10-17, Paul’s words have deeply challenged me to consider how unity begins with a proper focus on God and overflows into our relationships with one another. Let’s explore how we can pursue unity by focusing on what matters most: Christ and His gospel.

1. Start with the Vertical: Aligning with God
1 Corinthians 1:10

Paul’s appeal to the Corinthians begins with a reminder to be “united in the same mind and the same judgment.” This unity is only possible when we are individually aligned with God’s will. Disunity often reveals spiritual immaturity or misplaced priorities, such as elevating leaders or traditions above Christ.

When the vertical relationship with God is weak, the horizontal relationships within the church will falter.

Practical Steps:

• Pray for Insight: Ask God to reveal any pride or idols in your heart that might hinder unity.
  • Example Prayer: “Lord, search my heart and reveal areas where I’ve prioritized my preferences over Your will. Align me with Your purposes.”
• Confess Sin: Acknowledge your role in any division. Repent and seek God’s grace to grow in humility and love.
• Meditate on the Cross: Reflect on how Christ’s sacrifice restores your relationship with God and empowers you to pursue peace with others.

2. Pursue Reconciliation: Horizontal Restoration
Matthew 5:23-24

Jesus teaches that if we know someone has something against us, we should seek reconciliation before offering our gift at the altar. Similarly, Paul’s call for unity in Corinth requires believers to take responsibility for their part in restoring relationships.

Reconciliation requires humility, courage, and a willingness to take the first step. 

Practical Steps:

• Take the Initiative: Don’t wait for others to make the first move. Reach out to those with whom you’ve experienced conflict.
  • Example Conversation Starter: “I’ve realized I may have hurt you with my words or actions. I want to ask for your forgiveness and work toward peace.”
• Pray Together: When meeting with others, start or end your conversation with prayer, asking God to bring healing and unity.
• Acknowledge Differences: Unity doesn’t mean uniformity. Respect differing perspectives while prioritizing shared submission to the gospel.

3. Guard Your Words: Speak with Grace and Truth
Ephesians 4:29

Paul warns believers to avoid corrupting talk and instead use words that build others up. Gossip, criticism, and divisive speech tear down unity and grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30).

Your words can either build a bridge or burn one. Choose wisely. 

Practical Steps:

• Examine Your Speech: Before speaking, ask, “Will this build up or tear down?”
• Focus on the Gospel: Center conversations on Christ rather than personal preferences or secondary matters.
• Encourage Others: Speak words of affirmation and encouragement to foster a culture of grace and love.

4. Commit to Shared Worship and Service
John 17:20-23

In His prayer for unity, Jesus ties the oneness of His followers to the world’s belief in His mission. Shared worship and service help redirect our focus from ourselves to God’s greater purposes.

Worship and service unite hearts in ways that preferences never will.

Practical Steps:

• Serve Together: Participate in ministries or service projects that prioritize the mission of the gospel. Working alongside others fosters mutual respect and partnership.
• Celebrate the Gospel: Regularly gather to pray, worship, and reflect on the unifying power of Christ’s sacrifice.

5. Practice Patience 

Restoration often takes time. Commit to the long haul of rebuilding trust and relationships. Celebrate progress, even if it’s small, and continue to depend on God to bring lasting peace.

Conclusion 

I believe that much disunity within local churches focuses on preferences, tradition, or leadership styles. I believe Satan loves that. He gets the church to focus on these “lesser” issues instead of where their attention should be: upholding and proclaiming gospel truths. When we focus on the lesser, we get worn down, our leaders get exhausted, and it becomes easier for doctrinal or theological compromise to creep in.

Restoring unity in the body of Christ begins with the vertical—our relationship with God. As we realign our hearts with Him, we are empowered to pursue reconciliation and peace with others. Unity is not about eliminating differences but submitting together under Christ’s lordship. Let us humbly reflect on the cross, speak with grace, and work toward harmony, knowing that our unity brings glory to God and testifies to the power of the gospel.

Reflection Questions:

1. Have I contributed to disunity in my church through words, attitudes, or actions?
2. Am I prioritizing my preferences over Christ’s call to unity?
3. Who can I pursue reconciliation with this week for the sake of gospel unity?

Soli Deo Gloria,

Josh Chambers

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