There Is power in unity

A comical anecdote by stand-up comedian Emo Phillips comprises two individuals on a bridge. One contemplates jumping, while the other attempts to discourage. The discourager inquires of the jumper, “What faith are you?”

The jumper responds, “Christian.”

The discourager states, “Me too.”

The jumper reveals he is Protestant. The discourager states, “Me too.” The discourager asks, “What denomination?”

“Baptist.” The jumper responds.

“Me too!” exclaims the discourager. “Southern or Northern?”

The jumper replies, “Northern.” The discourager says, “Same here! Conservative or liberal?”

The jumper responds, “Northern Conservative Baptist.” The discourager says, “Likewise! Are you part of the Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region or the Northern Conservative Baptist Eastern Region?”

The jumper responds, “Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region.” “I am, too!” Responds to the discourager.

“Are you part of the Council of 1879 or the Council of 1912?” The jumper answers, “1912.” The discourager then shoves the jumper off the bridge, shouting, “Perish, heretic!”

One key element of the early church’s growth was unity: “All these with one accord…” (Acts 1:14a). The members of the first-century church had faith in Christ and trusted in one another. There was unity amid their numbers.

Acts 1 tells us that there were 120 people in the first prayer meeting. We find different kinds of people— men, women, apostles, ordinary believers and Jesus’ family. Think about it: Where there are 120 people, there exists an easy opportunity for the enemy to cause divisions. Yet, the Book of Acts recounts that they were in one accord.

My second thought: there was unity in their ranks. Jesus’ mother and brothers could have asked for special treatment, they could have claimed: ‘I am Jesus’ mother! We are Jesus’ brothers. Our relationship with Jesus is different from your relationship with Him.’ In pulling rank, Mary, James, and Jude could have insisted on sitting in the most important seats.

John could even loudly insist: ‘I was the only one who remained loyal when Jesus was on the cross; thus, I am qualified to be the church leader.’ Some could have spoken up and said that Peter denied Jesus three times, and he was thus disqualified from leading.

Before Jesus’ crucifixion, the disciples argued about who was the greatest; however, after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, they no longer argued this matter; they became united. Thankfully, there existed trust among the early church that each would fulfill the job for which Christ had called them —they were in unity, not rank.

My final thought: unity is foundational to the current church. We must trust our fellow Christ-followers to fulfill the Great Commission. No one church or believer can single-handedly fulfill the Great Commission.

There must be unity and trust between churches and believers. The 120-person group of the Early Church had unity because they trusted one another as they placed faith in Christ. We, too, must have the same goal to unite in fulfilling the Great Commission.

How do we achieve unity in the church? 1. Agree to disagree. 2. Remember our shared identity. 3. Embrace differences. 4. Work through conflict. 5. Believe the best in everyone. May God help us; we unite not for our own sake, but for Christ.