For the sake of unity ......

“I’m praying not only for them
But also for those who will believe in me
Because of them and their witness about me.
The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind—
Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
So they might be one heart and mind with us.
Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me.
The same glory you gave me, I gave them,
So they’ll be as unified and together as we are—
I in them and you in me.
Then they’ll be mature in this oneness,
And give the godless world evidence
That you’ve sent me and loved them
In the same way you’ve loved me. JOHN 17:20-23 Msg

Of all things that cause non-believers to stumble, I can think of no greater thing than disunity. "When they learn to live like Christians then maybe I will give it a go"
Now don't get me wrong here, I am not one to say that we should accept anything for the sake of unity ...... but arguments about little things. Is it really true that churches have split because of the colour of the furniture or whether we stand or sit down at the benediction? Even issues like style of Worship through music, should not hold us apart. Do you think God really cares whether we use an organ or a band? It is our heart he looks at!
When we major on minors, the world watches shakes it head.
When C.S. Lewis was critised for spending time with Christians not part of the Evangelical "club" he replied, along the lines, that there is far more that unites us than holds us apart, and we will be spending eternity together so isn't it a good idea to start now?
Yes let us stand for the truth of Scripture. Yes let us speak the truth in love when our brothers and sisters need correction, but let us do so in a way that promotes unity, being of one heart and mind with the Father.