Another thing that hinders our unity is how we elevate secondary issues to primary importance. We treat these secondary matters as if they are the most important, and this creates disunity within the body of Christ. I once heard a story that illustrates this well: A man was walking across a bridge and saw someone standing on the edge, about to jump. He ran over and said, “Stop! Don’t do it!” The man replied, “Why shouldn’t I?” The first man said, “There’s so much to live for.” The man asked, “Like what?” “Are you religious?” he asked. “Yes,” the man replied. “Me too! Are you Christian or Buddhist?” “Christian,” the man said. “Me too! Are you Catholic or Protestant?” “Protestant.” “Me too! Are you Episcopalian or Baptist?” “Baptist.” “Wow, me too! Are you Baptist Church of God or Baptist Church of the Lord?” “Baptist Church of God.” “Me too! Are you Original Baptist Church of God or Reformed Baptist Church of God?” “Reformed Baptist Church of God.” “Me too! Are you Reformed Baptist Church of God, Reformation of 1879 or Reformation of 1915?” “Reformation of 1915.” “Die, heretic scum!” And he pushed him off the bridge. It sounds absurd, but we often do this—creating division over the smallest differences.
