What Stops Unity in the Body of Christ?

What's stopping Unity in the Body of Christ? Is it You?

Denominational differences, doctrinal disputes, and pride have greatly hindered unity in the Body of Christ for generations. Overcoming these barriers requires diligent effort, humility, mutual respect, and a shared focus on essential biblical principles. A commitment to love, understanding, and team building can play a major role in developing the unity Christ desires among believers. Let's take a deeper look at some issues that stop Unity among church folk.

1. Division and Denominationalism: Division within the Body of Christ often arises from denominational differences, doctrinal disputes, theological nuances, and misunderstandings. These divisions create barriers to unity, hindering the seamless flow of oneness and fellowship among believers.

2. Lack of Humility: Pride and a lack of humility are huge stumbling blocks to unity. When individuals or groups prioritize personal preferences or doctrinal rigidity above the overarching call to love and unity, it hinders the core effectiveness of the Body of Christ.

3. Fear of Change: Fear of change can be a significant impediment to unity. Resistance to  stepping out of familiar traditions amplifies the reasons why Unity hasn't happened as of yet. Walking in fear that it might compromise your core values of faith only holds back the unity that is so desperately needed and it stunts your own spiritual and personal growth and development as a born again believer.

4. Miscommunication and Misunderstanding: Unity is often hindered by mis-communication and misunderstanding. When individuals or groups fail to communicate effectively or make assumptions about others' intentions, it can lead to mistrust and division.

5. Lack of Love and Compassion: The foundation of unity is love, and a lack of love and compassion among believers can and has fractured the unity of the Body. When self-interest and/or self promotion prevails over a genuine concern for others, unity is compromised.

6. Spiritual Warfare: The spiritual realm is not exempt from the forces of division. Spiritual warfare can manifest in the form of discord, confusion, and the sowing of seeds of distrust among believers, hindering their ability to stand united.

7. Focus on Secondary Issues: Sometimes, a focus on secondary or non-essential issues can overshadow the primary call to unity. When believers prioritize minor differences over the shared mission of spreading the Gospel, it creates unnecessary divisions.

8. Lack of Prayer and Seeking God's Will: Unity is sustained through prayer and seeking God's will collectively. A lack of intentional prayer and seeking God's guidance in decision-making processes can result in human-centered efforts rather than Spirit-led unity.

9. Resistance to Collaboration: The reluctance to collaborate and work together for the common good will impede unity. When churches or individuals operate in isolation, missing out on the strength found in collective efforts, the Body of Christ is weakened.

10. Unforgiveness and Bitterness: Unresolved conflicts, unforgiveness, and bitterness can fester and create deep rifts within the Body. The failure to address and reconcile interpersonal issues undermines the unity that Christ desires for His followers.

The call to unity is not a passive one; it requires consistent, intentional effort, humility, and an overall commitment to the core principles of the Gospel. As the remnant rises, it beckons each believer to reflect on their role in fostering unity within the Body of Christ and to actively contribute to the glorious march toward the harvest with victory.