While in seminary, I had this idea that denominations are sinful, for they separate the members of the Body of Christ. But when talking about it with my late professor, he suggested that denominations in themselves are not sinful, for they promote differences; denominations only become sinful when they separate us, or prevent us from being united.
In the 17th chapter of John, Jesus gives excellent examples, first of how to pray for ourselves, each other, and then also for the Church. But in each prayer, notice how strongly Jesus stressed the importance of being united within the Church (Body of Christ). Of all the things that Jesus could have prayed for, like boldness in sharing the message, lack of persecution, prosperity, etc, what’s the importance of being united? So that the world may believe that the Father sent Him. But when we look at the Church today, is it really united? How will the world know about Jesus through our unity? How will/can this ever manifest?
United in Soccer
One of the reasons that I used to enjoy playing soccer so much was because it reminded me of the great fellowship we developed through it while in seminary, which also reminded me of how I imagine the Church: we would gather together several mornings a week, just for the love of the game. Newer players were encouraged and mentored by more experienced players in order to sharpen their skills, and also so they might become better at the game. When somebody didn’t show up for practices, everybody was disappointed, and several people were sure to inform them of how they were missed.
Out on the field/court, though competitive, the way we played always gave evidence to our love for the game. We would communicate regularly, set each other up for passes and shots, encourage one another when we made a bad play, congratulate for good plays, and do the same for the other teams, actually. We played as a united team, subbing-in often so everybody had a chance to play their best as often as possible, backed each other up, and worked together in unity for the common goal (no pun intended). And ball-hogs were not an issue as long as our focus remained on the game. Sure there was danger, and injuries almost always occurred, but our love for the game trumped every pain, bruise, sprain, or break that ever occurred.
Now, re-read that, replacing the underlined words with the following:
- “The game” –> “The Lord”
- “Players” –> “Christians”
- “Sharpen their skills” –> “be encouraged in the Word / become better familiar with the Word”
- “Become better at” –> “Grow closer to”
- “Practices” –> “Bible study, Sunday service, church events, ministries, etc.”
- “People” –> “Brothers / Sisters in Christ”
- “On the field” –> “In the field/world”
- “Played” –> “lived / shared the Good News”
- “Playing” –> “discipling / ministering to”
- “Other teams” –> “non-Christians”
- “We played as a team” –> “We were united in Christ”
- “Backed each other up” –> “prayed for one another”
- “Ball-hogs were” –> “pride was”
- “Injuries” –> “rejection, persecution, etc.”
I believe that when Jesus prayed in John 17, He knew the future formation (or fate) of the Church, and so prayed that it – we, Christians everywhere, would be united, just as He and the Father are united. If a soccer team is united, then it has a better chance of making it to (and possibly winning) the championships, than if it’s not united.
Can you imagine if we, the Church, were on the same page, following ultimately the same mission and vision, praying for each other and our congregations, gathering regularly, communicating, helping where needed, being of like mind and spirit, and working towards the same goal? Just imagine the Church’s testimony to the world and the potential! No wonder Jesus stressed the need to be united so strongly!
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