by Theodore Kalivoda
Unity
In our two previous discussions we got a glimpse of how attitude toward one another signals our seriousness as Jesus' disciples. If we treat each other out of respect for our positions in Christ — holy temples, children of the Father, spiritual brothers and sisters, and recipients of the Spirit's mark guaranteeing eternal life — we certainly will be more prone toward loving one another as Jesus commanded. And that will have its favorable effect on onlookers.
Now it's a question of another behavior - unity. Jesus knew human beings. He understood how we get caught up in all kinds of controversies that on the surface seem worthy of pursuit but in the end have dire consequences for the Faith. They affect our relationships with one another. That may be why Jesus made it a major part of his prayer to the Father: "That they may be one as we are" (John 17:11). Jesus, do you mean it's possible for us to have perfect unity with one another, just as you have with the Father? It's mind boggling, because as we try to practice it we often let our egos get in the way, which temporarily fractures relationships.
Well, we live in a fallen world. A sinful nature prevents us from living perfect lives. Jesus certainly recognized our inherent weakness. But he still would have us grow in unity, to cultivate it, because it's for everyone's well-being. Yet we often see the opposite — gross disunity across Christendom. I'm not advocating surrender to basic doctrine on salvation in order to create a false sense of oneness. Some people seem to be totally compromising in that regard, as seen in their ecumenical pronouncements about multiple ways to God, even at the expense of ignoring Jesus' divinity and uniqueness.
But we seem to be at each other's throats on so many other matters, things I'm sure won't have any eternal significance whatever. Looking at each other in heaven, we will not be so brazen to say: "What are you doing here? You weren't baptized by immersion." Or, "Hey, how did you get in? You don't speak in tongues." Or, "Well, whattaya know. You divorced your spouse and remarried. I can't believe you're here." Or, "I don't' understand how you made it. You were of such-and such denomination. And on and on it could go.
The point is that those ideas we dogmatically give credence to on earth will disappear in the blink of an eye when we stand before the Almighty. And if you're thinking, "No, those kind of people won't be in heaven," then you are in the worst sort of shape. And we wonder why the world scoffs at Christianity. Let Jesus' prayer burn in our hearts: "May they [us] be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me" (emphasis mine) (John 17:23).
Connect that passage with the previously cited one of John 13:35 in which Jesus declared brotherly love as a behavior inescapably verifying the truth of discipleship. Now he's saying something similar - that our unity has a special effect also. It declares Christ as having been sent to the world by the Father. In other words, we signal the critical meaning of Christ coming into the world by our unity with one another. Interesting how two little words - love and unity - can have such an impact on people's regard for Christianity.
The critical question I see in all this is how we expect to experience unity unless we Christians get serious about accepting one another as special people?
I don't intend to list specific ways on how we fail to do that. You know what they are in your own relationships with others. But to make a broad sweep, we see them in the form of destructive encounters and ugly attitudes that hurt one another as well as cause our Lord grief. I have personally experienced loss of friendship with some believers for failing to share the same beliefs with them on some issues. Maybe you have too.
Listen to Paul's inspired writing: "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice" (Eph. 4:30-31). His list contains some rather rotten practices, and then it ends with an all-encompassing phrase — "every form of malice" — which includes whatever means of harm or ill will you can think of to throw at someone.
The positive side is found in the next verse: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" (v.32). By showing kindness, compassion and forgiveness, we honor the Son who gave his life to rescue us from sin. That affects salvation, to be sure, but it also reflects positive ways of living with one another on earth.
Adopting those traits, we likewise honor the Father who sent the Son. And more, we honor the Holy Spirit, whose personal presence underscores our status as special people. We often talk about being filled with the Spirit, sometimes emphasizing spiritual gifts at the expense of heeding the Spirit's presence in each of us.
In other words, the way we honor fellow believers reflects on the ways we honor the Trinity. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit surely delight in seeing us honor one another. Why wouldn't it be so? God himself honors us as very special people, so much so that he has chosen to live within us.
Special people! That's what Christians are. God deems us so, and he wants us to reflect the same attitude toward each other, not just in talk but in action. According to Jesus, it demonstrates a Christianity that will cause the world to sit up and take notice. And that will be to God's glory.
By the way, it's not just the entire body of Christ that is special. You yourself are too. Carry that truth with you, for the self-esteem God wants you to have throughout life.
To the Reader: Ted will be delighted to receive any questions or comments you may have. Email: 
