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Among the most intriguing of Aesop's fables was one that featured a father and his sons. The siblings were infamous for their stark inability to cooperate with one another. Despite their father's desperate warnings, the brothers persisted in their violent quarrels.
Because his words proved ineffective, the father used a simple, yet intriguing demonstration to powerfully illustrate the perilous nature of his sons' behavior. After tying some sticks together, the father asked each of his sons to try breaking the bundle. Despite their best efforts, they all failed to overcome the strength of the sticks bound together. Conversely, when the father separated the sticks and asked his sons to break them individually, the brothers easily snapped them in half. The father then explained how the brothers, like the sticks, were weak and susceptible to danger when divided, but would possess great strength when working together in unity.
Despite not being a biblical parable, Aesop's fable provides a stark warning for believers. Paralleling the brothers, division has unfortunately been common throughout the church's history, from the congregations within the apostles' early churches to the disputes that necessitated the Reformation. Today, division remains commonplace between denominations, within churches, and even among family members. Because the Scriptures call believers to work together as the unified body of Christ (Rom 12:4-5), it is imperative that we understand how division is created and how unity is achieved.
Concerning the former, the Apostle Paul and Jude thoroughly explain how division is sown among believers. For example, Romans 16:17 identifies ignorance of doctrine as a primary source of dissention. Failing to study and understand Scripture not only leaves us vulnerable to false teachers but also encourages differing interpretations that cause disunity. Also, verses 16-19 of Jude note how malicious unbelievers can foment discord in a church. Such people can destroy a church's unity through encouraging worldly behavior, teaching false doctrines, and turning people against church leaders. In addition, Titus 3:9 notes how even trivial matters can create significant disunion. While respectful debates over minor details is acceptable, condoning heated arguments over them not only creates needless disharmony but also distracts from the church's primary priority: preaching the Gospel of Christ. Thus, to avoid division, believers must thoroughly understand the Scriptures, promptly address malicious behavior, and earnestly avoid trivial arguments.
On the other hand, the Scriptures list multiple ways believers can foster unity. For example, 1 Corinthians 1:10 notes how we should be of the same mind and judgment. This requires stressing agreement, not in every minor detail, but on common ground such as the Gospel message and the extreme importance of sharing it. Also, 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 note that unity requires seeing all believers as equal members of Christ's body. Instead of using our differences to judge one another, we should instead see how these dissimilarities make us all unique and vital parts of one body unified by Christ. Furthermore, Philippians 2:3 identifies humility as a key component of unity. It not only prevents divisive behaviors such as rivalries and self-centeredness, but also builds the harmonizing attitudes of putting Christ and others before ourselves. Finally, 1 Peter 3:8 emphasizes the importance of brotherly love and sympathy. When God's love is the center of all our interactions with others, it fosters a unifying atmosphere of peace, hospitality, and mercy in our families, churches, and even communities. Thus, the Lord can bring true unity among believers when we put aside our selfish ambitions and prioritize agreement, respect, humility, and love.
Like the brothers at the end of Aesop's fable, believers today stand before a crossroads that will determine our spiritual safety and usefulness to God. On one hand, we can choose to continue in disharmony and fall prey to worldly interpretations of Scripture, the wiles of false teachers, and vain arguments over trivial matters. On the other hand, we can choose to agree with Scripture and foster unity through emphasizing our common ground in preaching the Gospel, recognizing our membership in Christ's body, replacing our self-centeredness with humility, and making God's love central in all we do. By taking the latter path, we fulfill Christ's prayer in John 17:23, allowing God's love to brightly shine through our unity and draw countless souls to His perfect salvation.
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