Broken Unity

No doubt you have heard some preacher tell the story of a man who was stranded on an island for a long period of time. He was finally discovered and his rescuers ask about the three huts they saw. He replied, “This one is my home. And that one is my church.” He then appointed to the third hut and explained, “That was my former church.” I think we have used the story sometimes only because it is humorous.
Unfortunately, the reality of broken unity has been all too true in churches of Christ.
And far too much of our division has not been primarily over doctrinal issues but rather opinions and the insistence that we alone are right in those opinions.
 
What really causes such divisions? Is it not because the church is made up of people who are diverse. They are rich and poor and men and women and old and young. In the church of Ephesus they had the added problem of Jews and Gentiles and masters and slaves
 
True unity is accomplished through “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”. Believers should share in “one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God and Father of all”. (Eph. 4:1-6) Our part in unity also includes
expressing our opinions and convictions in humility, gentleness and love. The Spirit will then enable us to get along with those with whom we disagree.