The Greater Unity
November 19, 2000
Dear Friends:
There is a lot of talk about unity and the one body these days. You hear the term used in a variety of ways.
Let’s use Biblical and similar concept of unity of a husband and wife to demonstrate the differences in terminology for unity in the ecclesia.
The Bible teaches that a husband and wife are to be “one flesh” just as it teaches that the ecclesia is to be “one body.” This can be taken on several levels. We have the very natural application of the marriage bed. We have the legal contract that is entered into between husband and wife which makes them legally one. We also have the oneness that comes from unity in mind and purpose. Finally, we have the love that exists between the husband and wife.
When it comes to the unity God intended for a marriage, certainly all of these are intended. God’s laws certainly exclude physical union outside of marriage. Although the first marriage and many subsequent Godly marriages had no legal context as far as the state was concerned, these unions were seen as binding under the laws of God. Jesus comments on God’s law when he says “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” (Matt. 19:6) Hopefully, most people marry because they have complementary interests and unity of mind.
Considering the physical and the legal aspects of the marriage to be a given for it to be properly defined as a marriage, we are left with the love. The husband and wife take care of each other physically, emotionally and spiritually. There is a confidence that the one has the others best interests at heart. There is warmth, affection, trust and comfort.
In my opinion, this unity supersedes all of the other aspects of marriage because it is the higher principle. It was the very reason God created woman. She was to be a “help” that was “meet” or suitable for him. The man needed help and the woman provided it. The woman completed and complemented the man. It was “not good that the man should be alone.”
Many people have gone through the physical and legal requirements for marriage and yet have never reached the love and companionship that God intended. In North America today, half of all marriages end in divorce. They conclude after being married that maybe it is better that man should be alone.
We see loveless marriages in our midst that do not end in divorce. We admire the conviction of those who endure poor relationships for the sake of their marriage vows. It takes conviction and even sometimes tenacity to continue to stay together. And although we appreciate the committal to the marriage vow, none would suggest that this is the intent of the Almighty for marriage.
Unity in the individual and greater ecclesias mimics the marriage between husband in wife. We are encouraged, even commanded to be one. This, by definition, includes belief in the Gospel and the commensurate walk that goes with such belief. However, like the marriage of husband and wife, ecclesial unity or oneness must, in order to achieve its intended result, move with an eye to the achievement of the higher principle of love. Without it, it is the hollow equivalent to a loveless marriage.
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:34,35)
Grace and peace for the coming week!
Kyle
