unity | Limestone Church of Christ

IS THAT REALLY WHAT IT MEANS?

The Bible emphasizes the need for unity and peace among God’s people. We can find texts in both the Old (Psalm 133:1; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; 1 Chronicles 12:17) and New Testament (John 17:21-23; Romans 12:16; 1 Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:1-6) that tell us to pursue unity. Several years ago, I taught an eight lesson series on the topic—there is that much material and more in the Bible about unity.

Occasionally in the discussion of unity among God’s people, you will hear folks reference a short, but powerful verse in Amos. It reads:

Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? (Amos 3:3)

The form of prejudice commonly called racism has always baffled me. Bigotry based upon skin colour makes as much sense as bigotry based upon eye or hair colour. And yet, racism is likely the most common form of prejudice worldwise today, and perhaps in every generation. It is sad to see this hideous attitude in the world, but even worse to find it among our brethren.

First, I want to suggest that the word “racism” is erroneous. There are not multiple races of mankind – there is only one race. The human race has been divided “according to their families, according to their languages, in their lands, according to their nations” (Genesis 10:5, 20, 31). But nowhere in the Bible will you find the word “race” used to describe the division of mankind. We may vary according to our nationality, land, language or family, but we are a single race – human.

Tag: unity

Unity – Can Two Walk Together Unless They Agree?

One Race in God’s Eyes: Biblical Perspective on Racism