The Necessity of Unity

Yesterday I had the privilege of teaching an academic seminar on the Biblical Foundations of American Law. As the class began to respond to some of the issues, it became readily apparent that there was genuine disagreement among the participants about a number of issues. The disagreement was expressed in a kind and loving manner. I saw a great truth during the class. We can honestly disagree with each other without creating a division. That is a key issue; now more than ever the church needs to be united on the central truth of discipleship. Jesus said in Mark 8:34 "And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."

If we as the church will follow this simple command, we will be a powerful testimony to a lost world. There are many reasons today for the church to "take the bait" and live in strife. We need to follow Jesus' words and follow Him. William Burkitt wrote of following Christ as follows:
"Let him follow me, says Christ: that is, obey my commands, and imitate my example. He must set my life and doctrine continually before him, and be daily correcting and reforming his life by that rule and pattern."

The Church must answer this call for discipleship. Forget economics, promises and rhetoric; seek to follow Jesus in this political election. Vote values; vote holiness and vote righteousness. Pray that God would bring about His desired end and bring the church to a place of unity in Him. The church needs to unite; the world needs the church to unite and we need to unite. It can occur if we will become true disciples of Jesus Christ as opposed to "church members."