Why We Need to Re-Think Unity in Four Dimensions

by EDMUND CHAN

"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
– Ephesians 4:30

The great need in the global church is a “unity of spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3).

Easier said than done.

And the reason for this difficulty is that there are FOUR Dimensions of Unity to be grasped—in order to connect the dots and see the big picture—so as to marshal a concerted effort to “maintain the unity of spirit in the bond of peace”.

Here are the Four Dimensions:

1. The Outward Dimension of Polarity.

We live in a polarized world. People are quick to take sides. And the problem is compounded when people not only take sides, they are quick to take offence against those who are not on their side!

That’s the challenging reality at the outward dimension of Polarity. It is often emotionally charged and highly divisive.

2. The Downward Dimension of Satan’s Schemes.

Unguarded, we are entrapped in a downward spiral, descending into the world of the Dark Lord and his divisive schemes. For behind many conflicts is the relentless attacks of the Evil One.

A man did an interesting experiment.

He put 100 black ants and 100 red ants in a jar and waited to see what happens.

Nothing happened. He then shakes the jar.

The ants got provoked and started killing each other. Red ants believe black is the enemy, while blacks believe red is the enemy.

But the real enemy is the one who shook the jar!

The same is true for us. Before we start fighting each other, we must ask ourselves: “who shook the jar?”

Ephesians 6:12 tells us,

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

We must not ignore or dismiss spiritual warfare!

3. The Inward Dimension of Our Inner Core.

The inward dimension is the inner core of our aspirations, expectations, needs, coupled with our background experiences and our assumptions, as well as our insecurities and fragile ego. And different ones have a different inner core!

Learning to exchange the vantage points of our views without offence is an art of irenic interaction that some have to mature towards and master!

4. The Upward Dimension What Pleases God.

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.”

— Psalm 133:1

Unity pleases God.

There’s however one of two extremes that we should wisely to avoid. On one end is contention; and on the other, compromise.

A contentious spirit disrupts unity. On the other hand, it should not be cosmetic unity at all costs, divorced from our core values and first principles.

In his insightful book, ‘Love Kindness: Discover the Power of a Forgotten Christian Virtue’, Dr. Barry Corey (president of Biola University) wrote of a wise balance. He calls it “firm center, soft edges”. Brilliant.

I called it the balance of Position and Posture. “Firm center (our position), soft edges (our posture)”.

My PLEA is simple.

In view of the cause of Christ to reach and save the lost, in view of the call for redemptive unity, in view of our common salvation in Christ, and in view of the spiritual warfare that we wage against the schemes of the Devil - PLEASE STOP SHOOTING ONE ANOTHER!!

And let not pride (or bruised ego) get the better of us!

Rather, “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph 4:2-3).

Have a blessed pilgrimage ahead!

Rev. Edmund Chan

A3 Faculty Member

"I believe that the test of leadership is found in the third generation. It involves mentoring leaders who would reproduce leaders. This is why I thank God for A3! It is an outstanding movement that's strategically committed to sustainable leadership development! Mentoring leaders. Multiplying disciples. YES!!!”

Rev. Edmund Chan
Leadership Mentor, Covenant Evangelical Free Church, Singapore
Founder, Global Alliance of Intentional Disciple-Making Churches

Edmund Chan is a seasoned disciple-making pastor. The Leadership Mentor in Covenant Evangelical Free Church, Edmund is widely regarded as an insightful Bible expositor and a wise mentor of Christian leaders. In 1995, he launched the annual Intentional Disciple-Making Church (IDMC) conferences, which have drawn over 1000 pastors and disciple-making leaders from more than 150 churches from over 18 countries. Chan also serves on the advisory councils of several Christian organizations and has authored Built To Last: Towards A Disciple-making Church, Growing Deep in God, Mentoring Paradigms, and Growing Deep in Faith. He graduated summa cum laude from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School with an MA (Missions). He is married to Ann Chan, who serves as an Associate Pastor, and they have two adult daughters, Amanda and Belicia. 

More Information

• A3 Faculty
• Photo credit: Cover photo by Diva Plavalaguna

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