Ephesians 4:3
“being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”.
A few verses earlier, it says to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. Verse two says to walk in a patient, loving way. Today's verse says to stay unified in the bond of peace.
Unity is important. Titus 3:9-11 says, "But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are useless and worthless. Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning, knowing that such a person as deviated from what is right and is sinning, being self-condemned." This is great advice. We have plenty to talk about that is divisive. We can talk politics to some, but if one is on the opposite side, it divides. Stay away from that.
Unity at all costs should also be avoided. God has given us His Word to guide us. We should avoid the minor issues. The Titus passage mentioned these, genealogies and disputes about the Law. However, there are some topics which are to be adhered to. The deity of Christ, Jesus being the only way and so on.
How do we address an issue that's to be defended? The bible gives us the way in Matthew 18:15-17, “Now if your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that ON THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY MATTER MAY BE CONFIRMED. And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, he is to be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector." This means he is to be removed from your group.
The verse calls it "the unity of the Spirit". That's God's nature, unity. There is unity in the trinity. Three persons as one God. Each has a purpose, but there is no jealousy. They work together towards the same purpose perfectly. While unity isn't a fruit of the Spirit, it's the result of that fruit.
All that is of God should be unified. The church is one example. It should be unified. However, because it's made up of people it gets complicated. Our overriding norms are the fruit of the Spirit, so we need to work it out. There will always be little flare ups, but we point to God's standards and we learn to be patient and forgive.
The last words in today's verse are "in the bond of peace". The word bond refers to being bound together. Glue is a bonding substance for physical parts, so peace is what bonds us in the Spirit. Philippians 4:7 says, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus". What precedes this is talk about bringing our anxiety to God in prayer. When we do that we get answers and God's peace. His peace is present in places where He rules. If He rules ones life there is peace. If He rules a family, there is peace and so on.
We can testify that all families have problems. However, the godly home adheres to God ways and pray for His help. He can give peace in the storm. Family members work through problems under the umbrella of His peace. Churches and small groups are the same. Problems will arise, but the group that relies on God will have peace in the storm.
God's peace is like an indicator on our cars dash. If it's interrupted, the problem is to be attended to. Colossians 3:15 says, "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body. And be thankful." Any of the issues in the Titus passage can bring division, thus interrupting our peace. Galatians 5:19-21 also gives us a list of things to avoid. Any of these things will disturb that peace. "Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." The christian weeds these out of the heart and mind with the assistance of God's Spirit.
God's peace is a wonderful thing. It fills us with joy. Yet, like a garden it's to be worked. Weeds are to be removed, fertilizer laid down and so on. To keep unity in the bond of peace requires work. God helps with this.
Lord, thank You for Your peace and the unity that is the result. Thank You for pointing out the enemies of peace and helping us keep them at bay. The church is a wonderful, peaceful place that have Your fingerprints all over it. Thank You.