Until Unity

By: Francis Chan

Libby ebook, 8 chapters plus intro, conclusion, notes, Scripture index, and acknowledgments

Published: 2021

Genre: Non-fiction, theology, Christian faith

Chan's writing always does that excellent mix of encouraging AND challenging me. I didn't realize this was published four years ago! It is a powerful book and I found myself thinking many times, "Should I just buy a copy and mark it up and share it?" But I am really, really trying to decrease my possessions and my expenses. So I'll jump into the many places I highlighted and just say that I highly recommend this title.

Introduction: There is nothing you have to do today that is more important than worshipping Him.

Yes! And even when I *know* this, I too often rush into my day and/or make my "to-do" list of things. I want to be better about taking time each morning to praise Him and be quiet before Him. (Blogger is telling me there's only one "p" in "worshiping," but I quoted from the book accurately. I just didn't want to use "sic.")

Introduction: Fill your heart with worship and keep it filled.

 

He uses so many Scriptures to make his points! At times, I thought about just reading my Bible instead of spending my time reading Chan's book. But his writing makes me dig deeper and think more critically about issues. I love that he is basing his teachings on what he finds in God's Word. Worship is not just pleasant to do; it is vital for keeping our souls filled and connected to God.

 

Introduction: It would look like my family screaming frantically at each other while walking through an orphanage to meet kids wanting adoption. There is a reason people aren't anxious to join our family. What picture of God are we showing to the world?

In talking about unity and how Christians must look to outsiders, he makes this apt analogy. Chan references the many different denominations and their often negative jabs at one another. This is not a good representation of the body of Christ.

Introduction: The world currently hates us not because we resemble Jesus but because we don't.

Ouch. I think he's on the mark here. If Christians behaved and spoke more like Jesus Christ, they would hate us for different reasons. But I cringe at how many non-believers think that Christians are cruel, hateful, hypocrites.

Introduction: Most of us would say that we would do anything to see our loved ones know Jesus. Are you willing to make a serious effort toward unity? 

This made me think of something Chaplain Michael has said at church. How much do we mean that we would do "anything" to see our loved ones know Jesus. Throughout this book, Chan challenges the reader to stop reading and pray, or dig into God's Word. This was part of the reason I thought about buying a copy - so I could go slowly, contemplate, re-read passages.

Introduction: Why do words come out of your mouth that sound unkind, ungentle, unloving? Jesus says the problem is not your mouth but your heart (Matt. 12:34). 

 

I highlighted this so that I would look up Matthew 12:34 ("You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.")  I decided to keep it in as I'm blogging because I often struggle with my mouth - talking too much, saying unkind things, etc. I want the Lord to cleanse my heart and purify me. I want Him to replace my heart of stone with a heart filled with love.

Introduction: Yet Jesus said that love for God and love for our neighbor are literally the most important things (Mark 12:28-31). There is a hope for unity, but until you are willing to accept the simplicity of it, we will continue to divide.

Love God and love people. How easy it sounds! Yet it is what Jesus told us to do.

Introduction: Humility and repentance always lead to life and grace. It could be that repenting of our pride will lead to a vibrant love relationship with God and others, resulting in a fullness of life that we've never tasted.

This is one of those passages I want to savor, turning it over in my mind and praying about my own life and choices. Humility and repentance.

Chapter 1 (It's What the Trinity Wants): We can't allow our souls to become indifferent or calloused to the evil around us.

The idea that God grieves over our sin and we should strive to be like Him, grieving over sin also . . . pushes me away from complacency. I think I sometimes have to work to not care so deeply that I am worried or anxious. But I cannot let the pendulum swing to the point where I'm in my happy little bubble, ignoring the darkness and suffering in the world around me.

Chapter 1: God, help us feel what You feel. Align our desires with Yours.

I love that he ends the chapter with this prayer! Yes, help me to align my desires with Yours, oh Lord.

Chapter 2 (It's What You Want): Praise God for His finished work on the cross!

Christ died so that I might live. Although I need to "work out my salvation," I am already saved. Praise God! There is so much more in this paragraph that I could blog, but please just read the book.

Chapter 2: I'll say it again: lukewarm people are not Christian! This isn't me saying this. Read Revelation 3. Again, this is why Christ is knocking on the door. He's asking you to let Him in because He's not in you yet! . . . There are still far too many people on the earth who genuinely believe they can be saved by Christ's atoning death without following Him as their Lord. 

This is one of those places when the holiness of God and the power of His Word makes me stop and consider my own sometimes-cavalier acceptance of His grace, mercy, and love. I do not want to become lukewarm! 

Chapter 2: If you have experienced the life-changing love of Jesus, you will be overflowing with love for God and others. It's that simple.

Boom! Jesus has changed me. Praise God He has changed me! Praise God that the Lord fills me up with His love. I want to overflow.

Chapter 2: The true believer must acknowledge Jesus as Lord.

Chan is talking about the truth that some people are willing to accept Jesus as savior, but don't necessarily want Him to be in control of their life. We don't get to stay in charge of ourselves when we submit to the Lord.

Chapter 3 (It's What the World Needs): We get more emotional over Christians leaving to go to a different church than we do about people dying and going to Hell.

I'm not sure I agree with this statement, but I completely understand its heart. We should be concerned about people's souls and sharing the gospel with them, more than we fuss over people who have left our body of believers at our local church.

Chapter 3: There is no danger greater than an eternity apart from God. We need God to revive our concern for the destiny of unbelievers.

Yes, Lord. Please revive my concern for the destiny of unbelievers, especially for those I love and want to see again in Heaven.

Chapter 3: The lesson of this story is that no matter how good or logical it seems, it is never appropriate to modify God's commands in light of human reasoning. At the root of that kind of behavior is pride, thinking that somehow in our wisdom we have considered something God neglected to notice. God treats this presumption as idolatry.

He's referring to the story in 1 Samuel when Saul is told to destroy all the livestock of the Amalekites. Instead, he selects some of the best animals to sacrifice to God. I can 100% see why Saul thought it was a good idea to do this! He wanted to give the best to God! Except, that's not what God told him to do . . . I struggle with obedience, too.

Chapter 3: But now that you can clearly see in Jesus' prayer that deep unity among His followers is Jesus' plan for bringing the world to see Him, I hope your motivation is through the roof!

I'm not really sure why I highlighted this, but it is causing me to go back to the surrounding paragraphs. If we as believers take seriously Jesus' prayer for unity, we could see people come to salvation and eternal life. It's worth it!

Chapter 3: A common mission brings oneness.

Chan makes a great analogy with marriage. If spouses have a common focus and goal, they will be unified. Minor squabbles fall away and don't become acrimonious because the partners want to achieve the same thing. Scripture tells us that Jesus wants us to be one, just as He and the Father are one.

Chapter 4 (It Starts with Repentance): The truth is that God probably communicates in a mode that I can barely fathom.

It's always ironic when we try to place God in a box that fits our own limitations . . . Scripture tells us that His ways are not our ways. We have ideas about who / what God is, but we really cannot fathom Him.

Chapter 4: Rather than fighting for followers or individual glory, the early church prioritized His unified Bride. 

This section makes me want to do more research and study about the early church, but I'm not a theologian and I don't want to be.

Chapter 4: When we hear stories of how Christ works in others, it makes us want to praise Him even more. It's a sanctified snowball effect. There should be no end to the things in Christ that we can boast about.

I love hearing people's testimonies! I love hearing others praise and glorify God!

Chapter 5 (It Comes with Maturity): Acquiring knowledge without using it in love for others leads to a pride that takes you further from Christ.

Ooh! This makes me think of Pastor Jamie talking about the difference between knowledge and wisdom. Thank you, Lord, that You are helping me grow in wisdom!

Chapter 5: Love is supposed to be the point of church!

I love his avocado on burrito analogy. Some people see community and discipleship as "extras" or "add-ons" if you like it rather than as essential parts of the Christian life.

Chapter 6 (It Survives with Love): Instead of improving our speech and nuancing, we need to beg for a change of heart.

Chan talks about the futility of preaching about love if love is absent in reality. This made me think of the scene in Young Sheldon where Sheldon goes into the sanctuary and points out the hypocrisy of talking about love and then being unloving toward his family. Ouch.

Chapter 6: Imagine walking into a room where there wasn't a single person thinking of himself or herself, including you. In humility, they all considered others more important than themselves.

He goes on to describe this "dream" of a place where people are overwhelmed by God's love. It sounds heavenly.

Chapter 7 (It Requires a Fight): We need to confront with caution because we don't have the same discernment as Jesus.

Amen to that! We're so ready to spout our opinions and thoughts on any topic (me included!) that sometimes we fail to exercise caution and discernment. I need You, Lord.

Chapter 7: Could things have been different if the church really became a group that exuded supernatural love?

As Chan was raising questions in this chapter, I thought about my own struggle with what to say, how to say it, and regret over missed opportunities. Three times, I've spent time with someone who was likely close to eternity and I've not shared the gospel the way I feel I should have. I don't know if Nan, Mara, and Chris are in Heaven or not. I know it's not my job to "save" people; conviction is up to the Holy Spirit. But I definitely should pray for His wisdom and courage to share salvation with people who I am confident will soon face Him. I cannot go back in time, but I don't want to continue to be cowardly about sharing my faith.

Chapter 7: Remember that His commands lead to life. It's always easier to remain angry, but obedience leads to greater life.

A lot of this chapter really digs in to theology. There were several times I thought about giving this book to pastors I know. But I love that even in wrestling with what Scripture says about everything from salvation to sanctification, the upshot is that God leads us to life. Abundant life and Life Eternal.

 

Chapter 7:  

First, don't overreact.

Second, remember your own failures.

Third, never stop loving.

Fourth, don't pay too much attention to the wrong things.

Fifth, don't quit.

Sixth, turn your eyes upon Jesus.

Seventh, believe that it does get easier.

 

I have a lot of notes for this chapter! I really liked these points that he was making and I feel he is directing specifically toward pastors. It can be disheartening to deal with these big theological divides. A lot of people struggle with denominations and the divisiveness of this world. He shares some pretty relevant stories.

 

Chapter 7:  All I'm asking you to do is keep a few things in mind as you continue fighting for the things God has placed in your heart.

This was in a section called "Why Don't They Care Like I Do?" This is key! Not every Christian has the same burden on their heart. God speaks to each of us differently. It can be overwhelming to care passionately about starving people, trafficking, abortion, etc. There simply isn't enough time and energy to devote to all the things that God cares about! We need to listen for His direction for our life.

Chapter 7: We would all prioritize these differently. That's my point.

He has reviewed some of the "fights" that Christians have: for the unsaved, for widows and orphans, for the unborn, etc. This section is really powerful. It's not a question of "which" of these fights is more important, but rather what is God laying on each person's heart? We each need to seek God's will and direction for our own life.

Chapter 7: We can't afford to discourage the passion of fellow believers. We are called to "stir up one another to love and good works" (Hebrews 10:24). So let's continue to lovingly challenge each other to greater depths of empathy and sacrifice.

I love this! I don't have to care as passionately about another believer's "cause," but I can encourage them and support them.

Chapter 7: It's just that we will never all care equally. And unlike God, we only have so much capacity to take on action.

Amen! I need to trust and obey and know that I cannot do anything without the Lord Jesus guiding and directing me. It's okay that I am passionate about different things than other believers. I need to be passionate about what God is speaking to my heart.

Chapter 7: But there is something so beautiful and powerful about a group of incredibly diverse people uniting under a common banner. It shows the world that our common obsession with the worth of our King is more powerful than any social, political, culture, or economic divide. It shows them a picture of Heaven.

Praising and glorifying God is more important than trying to prove our own point.

Chapter 7: It's impossible to be unified by yourself.

I love being part of a church family. God designed us for fellowship with Him and with one another. It can be challenging and frustrating to work with other people, but we are not designed to do life in isolation.

Chapter 8 (It Must Start Small): Learn what it means to abide in the Father, because apart form Him you will not bear fruit (John 15:4-5). Ask Him to help you see the people around you through His eyes.

Part of the reason I highlighted this is that "abide" is my One Word for 2025-26. I love this sentiment and reminder for my own life.

Chapter 8: God didn't call us to neutrality. He wants every word to be spoken in love.

 

This is something to ponder. The "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all" is pretty non-confrontational. But sometimes we need to confront people or situations that are outside of God's will. Doing so in love (rather than anger, self-righteousness, etc.) is key. God doesn't want us to be lukewarm! He rejects us if we are lukewarm.

Chapter 8: Christians in the United States spend far more time criticizing others than sharing the gospel.

 

Ouch, but too true. Criticism seems to be what everyone is doing, not just Christians. But we should be known by our love.  (John 13:35).

Chapter 8: My prayer in writing this book has been that we as a church could come to our senses and see all of the division and infighting as something contrary to God's design.

 

Reading this book is a good start for me. Divisiveness has intensified in our country over the last decade (IMO) and as Christians, we should stand for unity and God's truth.

Chapter 8: But I believe the Spirit of God can unite us in ways that are supernatural.

 

Praise God! He can do in us and through us that which we cannot achieve in our own strength.

Chapter 8: When we begin to see one another conforming our actions and lifestyles to those of Jesus and the early church, we will be more prone to unite.

 

Be more like Jesus. It will make a difference in this world.