Monday Morning Manna: Unity – Natural or Supernatural?

Many organizations, and not a few churches, talk of “unity. It seems this is a much to be desired
characteristic for groups. The fact that it is so often discussed, is an indication we have not yet
arrived at the unity we desire. There is a good reason for this. True unity is not natural. It is
supernatural. The natural tendency is to claim our space, speak our mind, fight for our cause,
and push for uniformity (which is not the same as unity). Uniformity insists that someone
change to fit another. It allows little room for compromise. Unity values differences. You don’t
have to be uniform to be united. Puritan Minister of an earlier century, Roger Williams wrote,
“We find not in the Gospel, that Christ hath anywhere provided for the uniformity of churches,
but only for their unity.” So, what does the Apostle Paul mean when he states the church should
be, “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit” (Ephesians 4:3)? If unity is supernatural, then
God must receive all the glory. We must stop focusing on each other, stop trying to be uniform,
lay aside our differences, and focus on Jesus. When He is first, it is amazing how many other
things fall rightly into place.

Dr. Dan Crawford, Senior Professor at Southwestern Baptist Seminary, is the WestCoast Baptist
Association’s Spiritual Life & Leadership Mentor. Follow Dan on Twitter @DrDanRC and
Facebook www.facebook.com/dan.crawford.