From the DAWGHouse…
A Big Christ for a Unified Church
As Pastor Pete shared with us at Forge this week, unity among believers is one of the hardest things to achieve. Let’s be honest, men (Christians) can be divided over just about anything: theology, worship styles, church leadership, politics, and even coffee in the foyer. The idea that we should be one, as Jesus and the Father are one (John 17:21), can feel impossible. And it is…
If we don’t have a big Christ!
If Jesus is small in our eyes, our differences will be huge. If our focus is on our own agendas, unity is impossible. But when Christ is supreme in our lives, when we recognize His greatness, power, and authority, suddenly our personal preferences and divisions shrink in comparison.
The apostle Paul made it clear: “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6)
One Lord. One faith. One hope. That is the foundation of our unity.
We don’t create unity—Jesus does. Our job is to guard it, to fight for it, to lay down our pride for it. But that only happens when we realize that our shared identity in Christ is far greater than anything that might divide us.
When Christ is small in our hearts, we make secondary issues primary. We elevate our preferences over our purpose. We see other believers as obstacles rather than family. And before we know it, we’re building walls instead of bridges. Think about it—if my focus is on making myself look right, how can I be patient with my brother? If my greatest concern is winning an argument, how can I love my sister? If I trust more in my own wisdom than in Christ’s, how can I expect unity?
But if Christ is big—if He is truly our all in all—then unity becomes not just possible, but inevitable.
- A big Christ humbles us. We stop demanding our own way when we remember that He laid down His life for us.
- A big Christ strengthens us. We can extend grace when we remember the grace He has shown us.
- A big Christ sends us. When we focus on His mission, we don’t have time for petty divisions.
The early church changed the world because they were united—not by force, not by compromise, but by the unshakable truth that Jesus is Lord. As pastor Pete so clearly laid out, If we want to do anything important in life—if we want to advance the kingdom, reach the lost, and glorify God—we must be unified in Christ…
Not unified in our opinions. Not unified in our preferences. But unified in the One who holds all things together. Jesus!
If our Christ is small, unity will be impossible. But if our Christ is big, then the world will know that we are His disciples.
So, how big is your Christ?
Joe Bouch
