Pastor’s Pen Oct 10

Unity in the Body of Christ; Eph 4:2-6: 

Man, there’s so much in our Auckland news at present to do with disunity amongst the church universal. I’ve been sent petitions to sign by a prominent Auckland pastor, in support of stopping Brian Tamaki from being prosecuted. Many churches believe he should be, and many believe he shouldn’t. Personally, I leave that decision to the law of the land. Getting involved in such matters does nothing to promote unity in the church, or witness to non-believers.

For Christ, how we go about things is just as important as what we do or say. What we do and say may be relevant, and even truthful, but if our actions are without love, grace, and respect of others then we are not acting in a Christ-like manner.

In Eph 4:3 Paul says, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” He precedes this by saying, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love,” Eph 4:2.

COVID Lockdown is bringing out the worst in people. Some of us have very strong views on vaccination versus no-vaccination, and Lockdown versus stopping Lockdowns. Such issues have the potential to divide us. Ephesians 4 goes on to say:

“There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to one hope when you were called – one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all,” Eph 4:4-6.

It’s important to have opinions, and even to voice those opinions widely sometimes. However, as churches, those opinions need to line up with the full narrative of Scripture and the character of Christ. So, let’s work on staying unified, Connect, and that requires us to read our Bibles and pray without ceasing, so we remain in tune with the Spirit.