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the vine covered while others contended that the cover was totally insignificant. The disagreement became so great they could no longer meet together. They ceased to have the mind of Christ. They were no longer united in the mind of Christ.The same thing could be said about dress styles, hair lengths, types of songs to sing, and a hundred other things. You're allowed to have your convictions on those things. But if they are beyond God's standards, then bind them only on yourself. That's exactly what Paul said, \ believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves.\2. Your greatest right is your right to forego your rights.Jesus Christ called us to be free. \you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'\and they're distinctly opinions that you can't allow any room on without being miserable, you're not free but a slaveto your opinion. Romans 14 teaches that a mature Christian will give on an opinion, a practice, or a conviction not designated or bound by God for the sake of harmony for the body. The refusal todo this is a catalyst for disharmony.\ who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.\(Romans 15:1) The number one thing that brings disunity in any church is selfishness. I want it my way no matter what! Paul says, \Christian realizes he or she has the option, in fact the privilege, of giving up his rights, for the rights of others.3.The key to unity is discipleship.\ the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves\cross and come and follow me.\because they've got something far more important on their minds.If you are a disciple of Jesus Christ, you're daily dying to self, and if self is dying, then you do not quibble over petty issues. \would amaze us just how united we could be if our focus was on Christ and sharing Him with the world that doesn't know Him. Dying to self daily will let Him live in us more each day. Discipleship really is the key to unity.If you're not united with Jesus, you can't be united with everybody else. But if you are in Christ, then you can have the mind of Christ, and that will allow you to be of one mind then with all the other believers in God's church, wherever it may assemble.There is only one way to be united with Christ, you must die to sinful self and be buried with Him for Him to raise you to the new life and add you to His Body, His church. Amazing Grace #1309, Steve Flatt, April 13, 1997Encouraging One Another