Unity Is Not Always Advisable


Division can be very destructive. The Inca empire was defeated by Spaniards because two royal Inca brothers fought a long civil war that distracted them from the Spanish threat and depleted their armies. Had the Inca armies been united, the Spanish would not likely have overthrown their empire. Unity is so important, and division so harmful, that the Bible even commands believers to stay away from those who inappropriately cause divisions (Tit 3:10).

Is there ever a time when causing a division may be the best option available?  Yes. Paul even says that divisions are inevitable and necessary to show who has God’s approval (1 Cor 11:19). Does not the Lord divide between sheep and goats (Mt 25:31-33)? The Protestant Reformation brought about division but seems to have been needed to help cleanse the church. The American Revolutionary and Civil Wars also brought about division. Yet, they, too, seem to have been necessary.

We are to avoid division among God’s people, based in personal ambition, as what happened with the Incas (Lk 17:1). However, when other reasonable steps to avoid division have been unsuccessful and the division is in support of essential truth and of love, then it is right. Love rejoices when truth prevails (1 Cor 13:6). We are to earnestly contend for true faith in Christ (Jude 3) and recognize that the true gospel will bring about division (Acts 28:24, JNTC note). Furthermore, as the tower of Babel shows us, in this sinful world unity can lead to apostasy and, thus, unity is less important than truth (Gen 11:1, ASB note).



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