Is Unity the ultimate goal?

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“If anyone will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that place, as a testimony against them.” -Jesus in Mark 6:11

It is interesting that Jesus didn’t advocate for unity above everything. In fact, He said that He didn’t come to bring peace but a sword. Meaning that by definition our allegiance to Christ, His words, actions, and principles are likely to separate us from others. And at times our commitment to Him even means that we may be separated from those who disagree with how we should engage the world on His behalf.

In the current climate, there is a great call for unity. And certainly unity is a worthy goal. But should we unify in spite of the major divisions that separate us? Should the problems that have created a great gulf between us and have existed for centuries, simple be glossed over in the name of unity? Are there worse things than division and polarization?

I do understand that in order for the current divisions to be bridged drastic, cataclysmic, systemic changes are going to have to take place. I advocate for these changes. But I understand that first these changes must take place within me.

Sometimes people comment to me “You’ve changed!” Sometimes they mean I’ve changed in a pejorative sense. But please remember that change is a necessary part of life. It would not be considered a virtue for me to say, “I still believe everything that I believed about math or science when I was kid.” So why do we consider it virtuous if our knowledge of Christ and His Word have not changed since we were a kid? True faith in Christ demands that I learn more of Him, and that by definition means that some of my views will change. And by God’s grace they will change some more as I grow older in the wisdom and knowledge of God.

Unconditional love means not only loving as we are, but loving who we may become. A love we should extend to others and ourselves. And at times extracting ourselves from relationships and situations that are no longer sustaining that kind of love.

Published by scotloyd

Scot Loyd is a follower of Jesus Christ, activist and a liberal arts educator. In all these roles, he is continually pressured by social expectations of what he should be. Through his writing, speaking, and activism he hopes to demonstrate that the solution to the problems of both religion and politics lie in being inclusive to diversity, rather than trying to wall others in to our own expectations. Scot also seeks to challenge others to think clearly and critically about what they believe and why they behave in accordance with or in contradiction of those beliefs. Scot has coached champion collegiate debate teams and individuals, and has been featured as a keynote speaker to various National and International audiences. Scot has earned two Masters degrees, in Communication Studies and The Philosophy of Heritage Studies, at Arkansas State University, where he is also a PhD candidate in Heritage Studies. He is currently serving as a debate coach and Communications professor at a Private University in the Midwest, United States.

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