Abundant Church Options and Spoiled Believers
In much of the western world, I would argue that Christians live in a time of excessive church options. Choosing a church can be similar to picking an ice cream flavor.
To be fair, I have nothing against the existence of denominations or “flavors” within Christianity. With large populations, we’re likely to have a greater variety of preferences, practices- and even beliefs that aren’t essential to salvation. It makes sense to choose a church that aligns with your convictions closely. Doing so should aid church unity within a local body.
An abundance of church options in many ways, is a jaw dropping blessing, not granted to most of the world or to Christians throughout history. However, we tend to take this blessing lightly. I would argue, we’ve been given such an over abundance of not only churches, but also unending online resources, to the point that we are easily spoiled. And just like children who are spoiled- we can end up acting like entitled kids, craving after better ministries, preaching, and music, with people who are better at meeting our needs.
Is Unity Found in Denominations?
While denominations or doctrinal statements can be important and helpful towards establishing unity, they are not where we ultimately find unity. Christian unity is not primarily about agreeing with each other- although that is a part of it. To be clear, all Christian churches must agree on essentials of the faith, like the nature of God, the fall of man, and the gospel of our salvation. Or else, they are not Christian churches at all.
But we must understand that even within denominations, believers are not united by shared music preferences, governance practices, or sacrament rituals. Unity isn’t found in shared convictions on matters of clothing or drinking, or media, or who you vote for. Infant baptism, postmillennialism, Calvinism, or Pentecostalism, are not your foundation. Not even a good preacher or strong leadership, form the wellspring of shared lives and shared praise.
Christian Unity Found in One Place
Christian unity is found primarily in one place- the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the one who saved us, and the one we worship. Together we wait to know him perfectly, recognizing that none of us know him fully yet (1 Corinthians 13:12). We should be as brothers and sisters glorying in Christ together, patiently aiding each other to grow into his likeness.
2 Corinthians 3:18 “We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
Christology, (understanding the nature and work of Jesus) is a bottomless well, displaying the very nature of the God we come to know through him. His life, work, and words, could be meditated on and shared joyously for all eternity. His atoning work also has endless depths and applications for our lives. In Christ, believers can unite and be satisfied for eternity.
Is Church Unity Possible?
It is possible for believers to lay aside grievances and differences, and come together in a shared love of Jesus Christ. In fact, our beloved Lord prayed for this, right before he went to the cross.
In John 17:22-23 Jesus prayed: “The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”
Through His profound love, Jesus yearned for our unity, reflecting His own unity with the Father. He sacrificed Himself, not just to display His glory, but also to grant us the boundless joy and richness that comes from being unified in His love and redemption.
Do You Have to Switch Churches?
You need to find a church where the gospel is preached, the bible is the only source of authoritative truth, and where the glory of God is central. That being said, you may be in a weak church, and it could be that God has you there to strengthen it. Yet, I want to be clear- of course there are good reasons you may need to divide from your church.
I am however, of the opinion that we divorce from our churches far too easily. In doing so, we harm ourselves and the body, slowing its progress, and sometimes injuring it in our haste, causing it to limp.
Of course, I understand that believers can change their stance on secondary beliefs and feel pulled towards a new church that aligns with their new stance. In this case, switching churches may seem beneficial. However, if this uproots you from a place where you are valued, loved, and in service to others, you have to ask- is it worth it? Will you want to do it again in ten years when your opinions change once more?
People who know me may be surprised that I have some beliefs that don’t align perfectly with my church. I’m happy to keep those thoughts mostly to myself. On a rare occasion, I may bring up my perhaps “controversial opinions” with a mature and trusted believer, but I’m not fixated on swaying people my direction on secondary things. As members of a local church we have a duty to “Pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding” (Romans 14:19). We seek to knit together and bind, to bring stability and goodness.
The Lord may counsel your heart to move on, and I cannot condemn that. My caution is to approach this with careful prayer, seeking counsel from godly people who would challenge you honestly. Humble yourself, and welcome critical feedback as you weigh your church options.
Remember: Church Isn’t About You
If you are tempted to sway people to your cause, have them join you in your complaints, or simply to leave your church altogether, make sure you have taken time to consider one thing: Your church isn’t about you. You may believe everyone would be better off conforming to your convictions and standards, but that isn’t your job as a church member. The church belongs to God and exists solely for his glory. He sees fit to use weak and imperfect people, including your church leaders. Though God knows all things perfectly, he has been content to use believers with varied gifts, opinions, and passions. We are not better than the Lord, and we don’t deserve to have it all our way. If he is patient and longsuffering, we ought to practice the same. The same blood that covered my sin also covered my brothers’ and sisters’ sin. Who am I to destroy another for whom Christ died (1 Corinthians 8:11)?
The Christian life is about living to serve others while dying to self. It isn’t about merely tolerating other believers, but rather being willing to live and die for them. A very high aim would be to experience such fellowship with believers that if a day of persecution came, you would have someone to die beside. If you could die for your faith beside them, how could you not live your Christian life beside them?
Follow Along
Sign up for email notifications if you would like to follow along on this study and journey with me, embracing God’s passion for a unified church. Next time, I hope to write more about how the death of Christ unites believers.
See the part one of this article here: https://cometochrist.ca/church-unity-pt1/
There is 1 comment on this post