Unity and Diversity in the Church

Church Unity Is A Call to Holiness and Humility

Published: Sat 22 Aug 2025
By: Rev. M. David

Unity is not just a good idea it is a command from God. Why? Because God Himself is unity: God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit are three in one united in perfect harmony. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect that same unity.

 “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1

Today, church unity is more important than ever, even more so than in the days of the apostle Paul. The early church faced many of the same issues we face now division which continue to threaten the Body of Christ. This is not a small issue; it’s a matter of holiness.

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul paints a beautiful picture of the Church as one body with many parts, each with different functions but working together to glorify God:

“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.”
1 Corinthians 12:12–14

Just as the human body has different parts every follower of Christ is different. Yet we are united by the same faith in Jesus Christ. Though we carry out different tasks, our ultimate goal is the same: to glorify God.

A single part of the body cannot function on its own. In the same way, no believer and no church can fulfill God’s purpose without being connected to the larger body. Church unity should be a top priority.

Yes, there is diversity in the Church and that’s a good thing. But diversity should not be mistaken for division. Division is when we turn against one another, speak in hatred, or let pride separate us. That kind of division damages the image of Christ, whom we are called to reflect.

Every local church should view other churches as part of the same body of Christ. Disagreement in doctrine or practice doesn’t mean division. But criticism and condemnation of other churches that is division. Rejecting diversity as if it were disobedience, is not wisdom; it is foolishness.

Much of the division in the Church today comes from confusion and pride. That’s why Paul reminded the early believers to be like Christ humble and obedient.

No church or denomination is perfect, so don’t place your ultimate hope in any of them no matter how strong or faithful they may appear. Only the Word of God can lead you to Jesus. Put your full trust in Christ alone, the perfect High Priest. He must be your guide, your teacher, and your example.

As believers, each of us is a temple of the Holy Spirit. So, we must first keep our own lives holy. True church unity begins with individuals who walk in humility, respect, and obedience to God. A true believer empowers others, lifts them up, and is committed to glorifying Jesus in both words and actions.

This kind of unity is only possible when we lay down our personal preferences, abandon self-praise, and fully submit to the will of God. As long as we cling to our own opinions about theology and desire for recognition, division will continue to grow within the body of Christ. Unity requires humility the willingness to put others before ourselves, to listen, to forgive, and to love even when it’s difficult. It means recognizing that Christ, not our preferences, is the center of the Church. When each believer seeks God’s will above their own and honors others above themselves, the Church reflects the heart of Christ. True unity is not achieved through uniformity, but through surrendered hearts working together for one purpose to glorify God.