Unity without Uniformity

Imagine being back in time just prior to World War II. Japan attacks Pearl Harbor and the nation is outraged. West coast states form their own armies and start attacking the Japanese. The east coast states start attacking Germany. The Mississippi Valley states attack Italy. Florida attacks Cuba. Texas attacks North Africa.

Would we have won the war? Would we even have a chance?

We won the war because we fought a unified battle. Every state had to overlook the issues that were separating them and come together for a greater good.

Jesus told us:

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:18-20

These are our marching orders and Jesus made it clear that unity is our method.

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. John 17:20-23

Does this mean we overlook sin in the camp? Are we suppose to embrace sin? In no way. God calls us to holiness.

As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1Peter 1:14-16

We also have the obligation to correct an erring brother:

And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. Matthew 7:3-5

This correction has a process:

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Matthew 18:15 - 17

Paul gives us additional instructions:

I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. 1Corinthians 5:9-13

As we face a new year we must be careful to do all things decently and in order. We must love the brethren. We are to do good – especially to the household of faith.

We must be careful to have our facts straight before bringing an accusation against the leadership of a church or of our convention.

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. 1Timothy 5:17-20

If our leadership rules well – we need to compensate them well (and get out of their way, let them lead, and support them.)

If our leadership sins – we need to bring the witnesses and address the sin. The sin is addressed to correct the relationship and restore the fellowship. If the sin disqualifies the person from keeping their present position, replace them.

And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 2Thessalonians 3:14 -15

In the next few years we will be addressing the issues of:
Social Drinking, Speaking in Tongues, Tobacco, Gambling, Freemasons, House Churches, Saddleback, Elder Leadership, and even styles of music.

As you consider making resolutions and motions in our upcoming state and national conventions remember: what you propose will either unite us in the battle, or will divide and defeat us. Be very careful how you word your proposal and the intent of your action.

Ben Franklin said:
We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.
http://www.ushistory.org/franklin/quotable/quote71.htm

As Ed Young preached at the SBC Pastor’s conference: We must not get off onto side streets.