I’m on a ten hour drive headed home to Kalona today. I can already smell the earth after harvest, hear the clip clop of buggies, and imagine the three inches of midwestern road dust that’ll cover the car. But there’s something about this beautiful area that settles deep in my bones.
My hometown is largely a “plain” community. Having grown up in that world and eventually stepping out of it, I’ve carried both affection and caution with me, affection for the people and their devotion, caution for the way traditions can sometimes pull focus from the authority and purity of God’s Word.
I’ve seen well intentioned people get caught in systems that blur the line between obedience to God and obedience to man, often in the name of “unity.” It grieves me how quickly that steals the joy of following Jesus and the beautiful diversity of our individual gifts and callings.
Here’s the pattern I see all too often:
— A pastor/leader makes an extra-biblical rule.
— The congregation, or sometimes individuals who are singled out, must obey or face consequences.
— Speaking up or asking questions gets labeled as divisive or creating disunity.
In scenarios like this, spiritual overreach can leave such a painful wake. I know many, from a variety of backgrounds, who have found themselves in this vulnerable position. And if our focus shifts from Truth to the hurt, we can grow discouraged or even bitter, and sometimes swing to the opposite extreme in reaction. Yet, when truth and grace guide our response, healing, freedom, and clarity are possible.
— What Unity Is and Isn’t —
Phil. 2:2 says, “Be of one mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”
This verse is often used to demand conformity to extra-biblical rules for the sake of “unity,” when in reality, Paul is calling us to something far deeper, a shared love for Christ and obedience to His revealed Word.
We see this admonition also taught in Ephesians 4:3-6: “Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope…one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all…”
Picture a circle with a dot in the center. When Christ and His glory is the center of our world, and we are all moving toward that, we naturally grow closer to one another.
Yet in many plain circles, “unity” is a misunderstood buzzword. I think people often mean well when they use it—they long for peace, community, safety, and predictability. Maybe their idea of it sometimes feels more controllable. It’s easier to regulate the outside than confront the inside, and I suppose that’s human nature. All the way back to the garden, we’ve been grabbing fig leaves to cover what’s within.
But when it comes to matters not clearly outlined in Scripture, true unity isn’t about outward sameness. That’s uniformity. The word uniformity comes from the same root as uniform, like the uniform we wear. Everything may look great on the outside, but that doesn’t mean hearts, motives, or love are aligned.
In short:
Uniformity = an outward form imposed or maintained
Unity = a shared inward bond rooted in truth and love
When we ‘strain at gnats and swallow camels’, hyper-fixating on outward image, we pull focus away from what really matters, “justice, mercy, and faith.” That walks us down the Pharisees’ path, and Jesus had some very strong words for them all through Matthew 23.
“In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” Matt. 15:9
It’s both absurd and unnecessary to think that things like homemade clothes, the color of your car, button down shirts, wedding bands, and things like that should divide the precious body of Jesus. Even the Lord’s Supper, one of the most beautiful symbols of our shared redemption, becomes a tool of manipulation when the table of grace is turned into a test of loyalty to the doctrines of men.
Anchored in Christ, we find freedom from every false divide. When Christ is truly at the center, we can honor each other and respect those in leadership, without losing sight of the higher authority that binds us all together.
It is our privilege and calling to respect and honor our leaders as God-appointed, keeping in mind that their authority comes from and is subordinate to Scripture. Imposing any other kind of authority risks moving away from shepherding and toward control. Everyone has their preferences, but even a pastor’s preference remains only that.
“A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor.” Prov. 28:16
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls…” Heb. 13:17
Scripture also reminds us, “We must obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29
And to elders themselves: “Not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” 1 Pet. 5:3
We’re called to love the church and gently care for those who are weaker in faith. Their convictions and conscience deserve consideration, but they don’t define the corporate standard for believers, Scripture does.
“As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.” Rom. 14:1
— What Unity Is —
Christ is the Head of the church. Leaders are also part of His body, and both leaders and members share a responsibility to remain anchored in truth. We’re all human; mistakes will happen. But addressing things that come up prayerfully and thoughtfully isn’t creating disunity, it’s Biblical fidelity. In this way, the body gently corrects and supports one another according to God’s Word. Love speaks truth, truth builds up, and grace restores. This is unity. It’s found in mutual commitment to the same Savior.
“From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Eph. 4:16
“Unless I am convinced by Scripture and by clear reason, I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have often contradicted one another — my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand; I can do no other. God help me. Amen.”
-Martin Luther
