The Magnet of the Church

Magnets are attractive, aren't they? They pique our curiosity by exuding a mysterious force and tugging irresistably at nearby objects and defying gravity itself.

“Unity is the magnet of the church.”

That statement from Sunday’s sermon deserves a closer look. Unity means a oneness in heart and purpose among diverse individuals. Among people from different backgrounds and interests and lifestyles. Among people like those who make up FAC. It's the love of Christ expressed in mutual regard for each other and in common commitment to the Father of us all.

Jesus prayed, just before going to Gethsemane, specifically for us – those who would someday believe through the message of the first disciples. “May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (Jn. 17:23 NIV).

So how are we doing at FAC with this thing called unity? It seems that, as a whole, we’re doing quite well, by the Spirit’s help. And may this continue by God’s grace. But in a church this size there are many “minichurches” –men’s and women’s ministries, small groups, Bible studies, outreach ministries., and many others. The parts make up the whole, and so the important consideration becomes, how is each individual “part” of FAC doing? Are we unified in each of those subgroups, together in spirit, one in purpose, fellowshipping in love? Or does any group experience division and discord, struggle for power, resistance to authority, animosity between personalities, failure to catch the same vision and pursue a common goal?

We’re each responsible for the answer to those questions. We’d each do well to ask ourselves: How is the group(s) I’m involved with doing? How am I doing as a part of those ministries? Am I in any way divisive? Do I refrain from comments that chip away at unity? Am I careful not to be critical? Do I resist taking my concerns to everyone but the one who has the right to know? Do I make allowances for the faults of others and use an oversized scoop to distribute mercy and encouragement among our group? Do I lay down my rights for the sake of others?

Unity in the church starts with the individual. It starts with the individual following the example of Christ in humility and servanthood, laying down privilege and preference for the sake of the group and the shared cause - and for the sake of those who do not know Him, who are on the outside looking in, and who will never be attracted to the "fellowship of believers" if there is no evident… fellowship. Above all, for the sake of the One who died for them, we must join together to exude the mysterious force of love that tugs at hardened hearts and defies the law of sin and death.

Our witness is at stake here, yes. But more than that, the attractiveness of Christ and his gospel, the tangible evidence of God’s love for sinners, even the future of the lost who pass by close to our doors, is at stake. Minichurches, are we unified?