Unity within a congregation is one of the most important aspects of the Church. Almost anything can cause division, from a disagreement over a teaching to something as minor as the temperature in the room or how long the service goes. “Divide and conquer” is the enemy’s primary weapon against the Church. An incredible amount of work must be done to counter the natural decay into division by constantly being vigilant against any cause that might arise.
Ephesians 4:1-4 says, “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.” Here, unity is described as a core aspect of a person leading a “life worthy of your calling.” In other words, if we’re not in unity with our church, we are not living as a Christian. How much more important can this be!
1 Corinthians 1:10: “I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” What does “Let there be no divisions in the church” really mean? Certainly it doesn’t mean that we all are to be some sort of clones. Diversity in the church has been equally essential throughout history—but differences must not create schisms. As we live in unity, we create the spiritual environment where real growth and sanctification can occur. Differences worked out through relationships actually strengthen the church. But if a difference causes division and isolation, it paralyzes spiritual growth.
The most intense form of pastoral discipline is for those in the church that cause division. Titus 3:10-11 reads: “If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them.” When I teach at pastor training schools, I often explain this principle. As pastor I will tolerate a person caught up in a sin, or a wrong doctrinal belief, for as long as it takes to see them set free. But if that person begins to draw others into a destructive lifestyle, a theological error, or an unhealthy clique, then they must be confronted.
Finally it must be said, and it is implicit in the New Testament, that there are groups of people who claim to be followers of Christ but because of serious errors are to be identified and avoided. There is a time and place for “have nothing more to do with them.” But that’s not what this post is about. And that should always be the very last resort. Even then, we would obey God’s Word in Titus 3:2 and “show perfect courtesy toward all people.”