Do you know the difference between these two ideas? Unity vs uniformity? In some cases uniformity is desirable. But in most cases unity is preferred. Unfortunately however we tend to get them mixed up when things don’t go exactly how we want them to go.
Unity is having the same purpose or end goal. Unity is about going in the same overall direction and attempting to accomplish the same thing in the end. Unity however doesn’t mean that we all drive the same car or dress the same way or use the same route to get where we’re going. That’s uniformity.
Uniformity is when everything and everyone follows the exact set of standards. Think of the military as an example. They not only have the same objective but they look the same. Short hair, uniforms match, weaponry is the same and they walk the same and talk the same. Uniformity makes me think of the clones in Star Wars. You create one and then replicate it out so that all of them look, think, and behave the exact same.
Here’s the challenge though. As kind of ridiculous as it sounds to have a bunch of clones running around, it’s kind of how we act toward people who differ from us. If someone thinks differently or acts differently than we act or think, then our minds automatically go to asking why they aren’t more like us. It’s like we want a bunch of clones running around that behave just like us.
This week in the church I serve, we talked about this very idea. Unity is far more biblical than uniformity, yet in many church structures and denominations it seems that uniformity is what we’re after. Look I’m all for having systems and guidelines and organization and order, but I’m not at all interested in a world full of people just like me! That would not be a fun place at all (unless it was with drivers – then we could use a world of people that drive like me so I wouldn’t get frustrated when I’m trying to go somewhere!)
Seriously though, Paul talks in Romans about differences of opinion and practice. He’s talking about some of the structures of his day. He isn’t saying that the systems are bad. As a matter of fact they served a purpose in times in history. The problem is when we force those systems on people and make everyone function the same way.
Think of it in terms by a quote from a historical figure St. Augustine. He said In essentials – unity. In non-essentials – liberty. In all things – charity. If we would take this approach to how we manage life with one another, even in the church, we’d be living in a much better place.
The essential for the church is Jesus as the only way to heaven. There are others but we’ll stand on this one right now. To say that our expression of the faith is the only acceptable way to truly get to Jesus is a tad arrogant. Love and value one another for the differences they bring to your life. Stand firm on the nonnegotiable parts of life. As for the rest of life, give people the freedom to approach life from a little different perspective. It’s ok to challenge someone a little but to force uniformity is just flat wrong.
Unity is better than uniformity any day of the week.