Ultimately, Christian Unity is not what happens between dominations or even in congregations such as we have in Beverly Hills. Christian Unity is something that happens between individual people.
In 1985, the average American had three people in whom to confide matters. In 2004, that number dropped to two. Even more striking, the number of Americans with no close friends rose from 10% in1984 to 24.6% in 2004. The sad commentary on modern times is that people are living without the benefit of deep, solid relationships. You may be blessed to beat the statistics, but a lot of people are not. As a counselor I know that a lot of seekers could be helped by a good friend. Many need someone with whom to talk things through and make sure they consider all the angles and bases before making a decision.
Here is where the church comes in by providing the source for unity. Church works only when there is a way to connect, to build relationships, to serve others and, in turn, be served. Church works when we discover that every person is important and has a vital role to play. Church works when Bible study becomes more than an academic exercise and people get a chance to learn how to live what they have learned. Church works when people can heal from the damaging blows of life. If today’s church is going to accomplish the mission Jesus gave us, then we must overcome this lonely, isolated, independent, friendless trend. We will only do that by purposely changing our ways, doing things that bring us together, and developing interest in one another.
The role that the church must play is in encouraging, providing leadership, and giving aid to those in need of a friend to count on or a shoulder to cry on. Then arm in arm with a trusted companion(s), we will all be changed by the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
