Unanimity and Effort

Last Sunday Gary Pauley mentioned a policy among the elder board at the church in which we both previously ministered, a policy of unanimity. He explained that this did not mean that the men surrendered all personal opinions, but rather that they were committed to work hard to reach a point of Spirit-led unity in all leadership decisions. As I reflected on the great environment that results from this commitment, I noticed in the immediate context of Gary’s text from Sunday (Eph 4:11-16) that Paul urged the whole church to vigorously pursue this policy. In v.3, Paul, in his call for unity, uses a word that occurs several times in the NT. It is variously translated “making every effort,” “doing your best,” “striving,” “becoming fervent,” or being “eager.” This sounds like unity is not something that comes easily…and it isn’t! Unity in the church is not an easy thing. But it is a powerful thing, a dramatic witness to the Spirit of Christ in his Church. Does Paul’s word describe our conversations, our discussions, our demeanor among our brothers and sisters? I confess that many times I have been more eager to persuasively present my point of view than to vigorously strive for unity. Perhaps you can recall times when you have missed this mark as well. It is worth noting that Paul doesn’t call us to create this unity, but rather to guard it, or keep it. The Spirit brings unity, but it is our charge to strive to maintain it. Praise God that the gospel reminds us that Christ is our sufficiency before God! He always operates in perfect unity with the Father, and, as Paul states in vv.4-7, Christ enables us to be unified with both God and our fellow believers. Let us strive to maintain this gift!