Unity: The state or quality of being in accord; harmony.  I think you would agree with me that unity is important.  It is Important in our home, our community, and in our church. In fact, the concept of a church working in unity strikes at the heart of effectiveness.  But when we speak of unity in the church, there are two very important facets of the church we must remember.

First, there is the local church.  That is, a local body of believers who join together to foster the spread of the Gospel and to meet together for worship, fellowship and ministry in the community.  Unity is of utmost Importance so that the work is seen as a sure sign that the Lord’s hand is on the work the church is doing.  God blesses an obedient and unified church. Harmony is also expedient.  When the church is sure and certain of what God wants, the body moves quickly to do the work.

But we must also consider the universal church: God’s people around the world.  If the work of God is to be done in a community as well as internationally, the churches must be in harmony.  Otherwise, the effort is slowed down or stopped completely.  Unfortunately, Satan does a good job dividing us. One of his most effective ways in this current era is to get us confused to the point where we don’t understand the difference between political and spiritual. In the heated atmosphere of our society, the church must know and act on the difference.

Abortion, for instance, is to the church, first a spiritual issue. As far as I’m concerned it is “playing God” in deciding who lives and who dies.  It’s also a case of taking an innocent human life.  It involves selfishness, disregard for scripture, and apathy.  Those are spiritual issues every Christian should be concerned about.

Illegal immigration, is, however, a political issue.  It is concerned with government rules and regulations for maintaining a safe nation, protecting citizens from criminals, and assuring an orderly and effective border.  That is the government’s responsibility. Unfortunately, it is being used to divide the Lord’s people.  Personally, I believe that Jesus would not get mad at us for governing our borders…writing laws that keep us safe. Should people be harmed in the course of laws being enforced?  Only as a last resort. But interfering with legal authorities who are carrying out their duties is not exactly a Christian calling, either.

Admittedly, it is a complex issue, but it is still a political one.