John 17:23, Psalm 133, Eph 4:3

James Galloway

I'm a pastor of an absurdly brilliant church that is united beyond belief. I know we are SO privileged & don't take this thing called unity for granted. It is a very special place to live.

I also have sensational relationships with a number of church leaders in our city & many more across the nation & nations. I'm truly blessed to be doing life with such wonderful people. To have such great leaders in my world is again something that I don't take for granted.

I treasure great relationships.

However, this thing called unity is such a constant topic as a church leader. I thought I'd share some of my thoughts on this thing called unity.

It's like an elevated, cosmic, heavenly-like state that we are all supposed to live in & operate under. It's kinda sacrosanct & anyone who talks disparagingly about it is ostracised as an enemy of the state.

My question is, has anyone actually looked at what scripture says about this thing called unity?

My reckoning is that if we discover what this thing called unity is, according to scripture, then we may discover that what we call unity isn't actually unity but merely a ceiling or a status quo in which we are all subjecting ourselves to.

Here's what I think scripture says about unity:

It matters to God (John 17:23). In fact, that's why I think we shouldn't be flippant about what unity is. It should matter to us. Therefore it should never be an exclusive club; in or out misses the Father's heart beat on this.

It is a good thing (Psalm 133). Read the whole chapter! To me this is one of the best explanations of unity & one of the best desriptions of evidence of what unity produces. If the evidence is not evident, it ain't unity!

It is a work of the Holy Spirit (Eph 4:3). I'm reckoning that a body of people united, in scriptural terms, is a work of the Holy Spirit - let's face it, we've tried & it doesn't work unless God is at work. Therefore, it can't be manufactured - so don't try!!

It requires effort on our part (Eph 4:3). In saying the above, unity doesn't just happen - ask your wife!! Any relationship requires work & effort. Honestly, sat in a room praying for unity does... NOTHING!! Unless we are prepared to put the effort in then God is not going to wave His wand & make it alright. If we want this thing called unity then we've gotta:

• Refuse gossip & choose to talk face to face


• Identify God's grace in people's lives & learn to live with differences of opinion


• Believe the best & forgive the worst in people. None of us have the monopoly on perfect so give others space to be themselves

In conclusion, whether we look at this thing called unity regarding the local house, a city, a denomination or in whatever context we have to recognise that, once experienced - it's never forgotten!!