The prayer of Jesus in John 17:21 – "that all of them may be one" – reveals the heart of God for His church. Yet when we survey the landscape of Christianity today, we see thousands of denominations, competing theological camps, and churches that seem more focused on their differences than their shared foundation in Christ. The question isn't whether unity matters to God, but how we can pursue the unity He desires while navigating genuine theological differences.

True Christian unity isn't uniformity. God didn't call us to be identical copies of each other, but rather diverse members of one body, each contributing unique gifts and perspectives. The unity Scripture describes goes deeper than agreeing on every doctrinal detail or practicing identical worship styles. It's the unity of shared life in Christ, common commitment to Scripture's authority, and mutual love that demonstrates to the world that we belong to Jesus.

This unity begins with focusing on what Scripture calls the "first importance" truths of the gospel. Paul defines these in 1 Corinthians 15: Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and appeared to witnesses. These core truths unite believers across denominational lines and provide the foundation for genuine fellowship.

Secondary and tertiary issues, while important, shouldn't divide genuine believers. Questions about worship styles, church governance, the timing of baptism, or spiritual gifts can be areas where faithful Christians disagree while maintaining fellowship. The key is distinguishing between gospel issues that affect salvation and important but secondary matters that inform how we live out our faith.

Practical unity requires intentional effort in our polarized age. Consider participating in inter-denominational prayer gatherings, missions projects, or community service initiatives. Support parachurch organizations that unite believers around common purposes like Bible translation, evangelism, or caring for the poor. These collaborations demonstrate that what unites us in Christ is greater than what divides us in preference.

Local unity often begins with humble conversations across denominational lines. Pastor and congregation leaders can build relationships with other churches in their community, looking for opportunities to serve together and learn from each other. These relationships create trust that can withstand theological discussions and provide a witness to the broader community about the transformative power of the gospel.

The unity Christ prayed for isn't a human achievement but a divine gift that we're called to preserve and display. As we focus on Christ rather than our differences, pursue relationships across denominational boundaries, and work together for the sake of the gospel, we participate in God's answer to His Son's prayer and provide a powerful witness to a divided world.