10 Commandments of Unity

At Church Acadiana we've adopted unity as one of our core values.  Why?  Because we know that unity is fragile and doesn't come naturally.  We also know that if we can't get along, we can't get things done.  That's why the Bible instructs the church to be "diligently keeping the unity of the Spirit (Eph. 4:1-3)."  The following are the 10 commandments of unity -- ten principles that will help us get along and stick together for the sake of the Gospel.

  1. Be a raving fan in public and an honest critic in private.  James 5:9 says, "Don't complain about one another."  If you have a problem with someone, don't complain about it or discuss it with others.  Instead, go to that person in private and discuss the matter.
  2. Don't push your calling onto others.  Ephesians 4:2 says we need to be "accepting one another in love."  God gives each of us unique passions, burdens, and assignments.  You may be called to donate your Saturdays to the battered women's shelter, or the crisis pregnancy center, or to picking up trash along the highway.  But God hasn't called every Christian to do that.  Accept people who are different than you.
  3. Give people grace.  Colossians 3:12 tell us to put on "patience."  Don't demand that people be perfect.  Give them room to mess up.  Don't be so uptight that if someone offends you or drops the ball just once you jump ship.
  4. Don't be judgmental.  Matthew 7:1 says, "Do no judge, so that you don't be judged."  Don't assume someone's motives.  Only God knows their heart.  Don't condemn people on grey matters.  Drinking alcohol may be wrong for you, but it's not wrong for all Christians.
  5. Outdo one another in honor.  That's what it says in Romans 12:10.  It's the little things that matter.  Be punctual.  Let people know if you can't make it to a meeting or fellowship.  Return emails and text messages and phone calls quickly.  Leave detailed messages.  Follow through when you say you're going to do something.  Be grateful to people.  Be generous with praise.  
  6. Forgive.  Ephesians 4:32 says we should be "forgiving one another."  Conflict doesn't have to end in division.  Work through differences.  Be kind and loving to people who hurt you, regardless of how you feel.
  7. Be agreeable.  Romans 12:16 says, "Be in agreement with one another."  Avoid arguing.  Strive to agree so that we can get on with the mission of making disciples.
  8. Guard the gate.  1 Tim. 5:22 says, "Don't be too quick to appoint anyone as an elder."  We must be very careful about giving away power and influence in the church.
  9. Let people tell you "No."  1 Corinthians 13:4 says that love "is not selfish."  Don't demand your own way.  When you ask someone to do something that they are not bound by Scripture to do, respect their "No."
  10. Love your neighbor as yourself.  Those are the words of Jesus in Matt. 22:39.  He also taught us the Golden Rule in Matt. 7:12 -- treat others the way you want to be treated.  When you're not sure how to keep the unity, you can't go wrong if you just do your best to follow the Golden Rule.  
And guess what?  There aren't just 10.  What else can we do to protect the unity of the church?

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