Editors

Page

Editorial: Unity - A New Year’s Goal!

There are many things that can fall under the category of uniformity, which continually plague the unity of the body of Christ. Uniformity and conformity insist that everything must agree with the way they views things. Thus, unity is targeted by such things as the generation gap, ethnic and cultural gaps, and by tradition. For unity to exist there must be a great deal of flexibility. Uniformity is rigid and inflexible, and often used as a way of validating ourselves, and our beliefs. Its goal is to make everyone the same, much like a baker using a cookie cutter with the purpose of producing identical cookies. A non-biblical beatitude that has some merit regarding our subject says, Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not get bent out of shape! However, let’s remember that flexibility does not mean the compromising of truly godly principles.

Some of the older generation, do not appreciate the music of the younger generation. This is especially so when it comes to religious music. Often the hymns of the younger generation have a beat and tempo that the older generation might classify as primitive or lacking in reverence. The hymns enjoyed by them, often seem dreary and dull, to those who are younger. Here, then, is an area where those, perhaps more spiritually mature, can exercise wisdom and flexibility to bridge the gap between generations. We all need to exercise tolerance towards the preferences of others. And, it might be even better to replace tolerance with that of gentle understanding, since with any good, healthy relationship there must be a great deal of give and take, thereby allowing freedom and diversity of taste and preference.

The ethnic and cultural gap can also be a test on the unity of the church body. The country and culture where one has been born and raised has a very definite impact on the way one views things. The Church has always been a melting pot of many cultures and ethnic backgrounds. Those of African and Spanish descent are much more lively and expressive in speech as well as in music, worship and other areas than those from other countries where there is a more conservative, quiet expression in music and worship. Then, there are those of us who fall at various places in between. Understanding and acceptance of diversity enhances unity. Here again, is a place where we can be bridge-builders and lovingly close the gap. If we really think about it, uniformity in all areas would soon become very boring indeed, while unity in diversity allows for freshness and variety.

Conformity and tradition, or the way things have always been done, can destroy creativity as well as true unity. A traditionalist is fearful of accepting something new or opting for change. The Church, the body of Christ, is a composite of many members, nurtured in various traditions and backgrounds. This brought about problems even in the early Church. Some have come from churches that worship in very emotional ways, such as with the clapping of hands, swaying to the music, the raising of their hands towards heaven and even reverential dance as an act of worship and acknowledgment of their Lord. This type of worship is not without Scriptural precedent. David, “a man after God’s own heart,” danced before the Lord as his act of joyful worship (2 Samuel 6:14). In verse 5 of this chapter it says, David and the whole house of Israel were “celebrating with all their might before the LORD, with songs and with harps, mandolins, tambourines, castanets and cymbals.” Not a very quiet way to worship! Yes, David was worshipping the LORD with his entire being, body, mind and spirit. Some of us come from churches that were very conservative and subdued in the way they worshipped the Lord. The raising of hands and clapping, both scriptural, but unknown to many of us, were looked down on and viewed as a way of drawing attention to self. However, we need to exercise care here for we could be in danger of judging the heart-motives of others. When David’s wife, Michal, “saw him leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart.” She, seemingly, was embarrassed by his actions and rebuked him for his conduct (2 Samuel 6:16-23). Because she did this, she was punished by the Lord, and made barren, a severe penalty, since in Israel if a woman was unable to bear children it was a great personal disgrace.

May we never allow our traditions to be a cause of disunity in the body of Christ. Although some traditions may be our personal taste, and others not, let’s not allow these to become a source of contention, and especially as a reason to separate from others of the body of Christ. Love and consideration for our brethren must always take precedence. Romans 14:19 exhorts us, “Therefore, let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” May we endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace (Ephesians 4:3) and fulfill the desire expressed in Jesus’ prayer of John 17:11, “...Holy Father, keep through your Name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are,” unified in aim and purpose to bring glory to our Father and His Beloved Son, bound together in Their Love, Unity and Peace.

E. Weeks