No brother or sister in the Lord likes to hear of, or be involved in, conflict with brethren. Oh, I know, there are some soreheads that just don't seem to be happy unless they are stirring up a fuss, but hopefully they are few. Remember, among the seven things God hates is "one who sows discord among brethren" (Prov. 6:19).
I don't remember the first time I either heard or read the phrase "unity in diversity," but it was a long time ago. I thought then, and still do today, that it was a very deceptive phrase. Why? Because there is an element of truth to it, and like a fish hook, once swallowed it will lead to false beliefs, teaching and sinful behavior. And, in almost every controversy among brethren, its deceptiveness is employed by some to justify their viewpoints and behavior.
It is an obvious observation that brethren have always had differences and disagreements about some things, yet have continued to exist in unity and fellowship. Such is also true in the Bible. Paul and Barnabas had a serious difference over Mark, yet went their ways and served God remaining in fellowship with God (Acts 15:36-40). Romans 14 instructs us that there are certain issues over which brethren can disagree and we are not to "despise" or "judge" each other, rather, as Romans 15 says, "receive one another" (v. 7). So, there is obviously a germ of truth in the idea of unity in diversity.
Now, here is the hook that displays "brilliantly" the deceptiveness of Satan's methods. It is to take the unity in diversity idea and apply it to inappropriate issues. The argument is appealing when spoken in the following words. "Well, if we accept and fellowship certain brethren with whom we disagree on certain issues, why can't we accept and fellowship other brethren with whom we disagree with on other issues?" Sometimes a list is drawn up, listing a mixture of issues that have troubled brethren over the years, asking why we can accept some differences but not others. Such selectiveness has the appearance of being inconsistent, hypocritical and divisive. It is a simple defense to understand and it appeals to many, but let us not be misguided by it. It is error!
The question that should be asked about Romans 14 is, "What error or sin does it teach us we can accept and fellowship? What sin is being practiced in Romans 14?" Of course, the answer is "none." This chapter is not discussing sinful behavior, but behavior that is right to offer "to the Lord" and He receives the person that does so (vs. 3, 6); it involves "pure" things, not "unclean" (vs. 14, 20); things right within themselves to do. These people were "overscrupulous" (see Romans 14:1 in Charles B. Williams' New Testament translation) regarding "the faith"; they were stricter than God because they drew "the faith" circle smaller than God does; they were "weak in the faith" (v. 1) on certain matters.
In Romans 16:7, Scripture says, "Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them." Also, 2 John 9-11. "Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds."
These texts state an opposite action to Romans 14. Here are brethren that we are to "avoid" and "not receive." The difference is, fellowshipping these brethren causes us to share in sinful doctrinal "offenses" ("deathtraps," Romans, R.C.H. Lenski, p. 915). These brethren are guilty of transgressing, "goes too far" (NASB), "runs ahead" (NIV), not abiding "in" Christ's doctrine ("the faith"). They attempt to draw the circle of "the faith" larger, not smaller, thus putting themselves outside the "in Christ" relationship (Gal. 3:27; Eph. 1:3). They desire greater liberties than "the faith" allows, thus adding to what God says.
Obviously, the unity in diversity idea can have two different applications. The first is acceptable and necessary to brotherly unity and love and the second is divisive, separating people from God and so from their brethren. We must not swallow the devil's hook and allow ourselves to be led into areas beyond "the faith," "the truth," "the gospel," "the doctrine" (Eph. 4:11-16; Col. 1:5; 2 Tim. 2:24-26, 3:8-17; Titus 1:13-14; James 5:19-20). It is "the truth" by which we are "sanctified" so "that [we] may all be one" (John 17:19-21). Hopefully, even the diversity that is caused by those "weak in the faith" can be overcome as time passes and they learn to be "strong." That is, that the maturity of "the truth" will prevail in their hearts and remove the barriers to a mature understanding of "the truth." Until then, if ever, the "strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak" (Rom. 15:1). And, at the same time, we must "not receive" those who transgress "the doctrine of Christ."
May we pray diligently for wisdom and courage for ourselves and our brethren everywhere to do the right thing, "for we are brethren" (Gen. 13:8).
- Rogers Reflector, 3/18/01