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The Apostle Paul, in Eph. 4:11-16, focuses on two aspects of unity: a) “the gifts for unity” and b) “the growth of unity”. In looking at the gifts for unity, Paul focuses on the gifted persons who form the leadership of the Church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, and their purposes. While each has different gifts and responsibilities, Paul outlines that the common goal of these gifted persons is to build up and edify the Church. Their basic aim is to see that Church members are educated, guided and cared for so that they spiritually mature in Christ. Their ultimate goal is that of perfect unity and that members should reach a stature which can be measured by the fullness of Christ. The highest aim of Church leaders is nothing less than to produce men and women who have in them the reflection of Jesus Christ Himself.
How do we know that we, as Christians, are growing in unity and spiritual maturity? “Christ-likeness” is one of the first evidences that we are growing spiritually. Paul further mentions “stability” – the maturing Church is not tossed about by every religious novelty that comes along. A third mark is that of having “truth joined in love”. It has been well said that truth without love is brutality and love without truth is hypocrisy. It is a mark of maturity when we are able to share the truth with our fellow Christians and do it in love. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” (Prov. 27:6). The final evidence of maturity is “cooperation”. We realize that as members of one body and a local Church, we belong to each other and affect one another and we need each other. The Church grows as the individual member grows and the members grow as they feed on the Bible and minister to each other. Paul stresses on love. Love is the circulatory system of the Church and it is the necessary ingredient to unite together the different parts of the body in Christ.
Spiritual unity is not something we can manufacture. It is something we have in Christ and we must protect and maintain it. Therefore, “speaking the truth in love” let us equip and edify one another so that we may all grow up to be more like Jesus and become a united body of believers under His Headship.
