“We can agree to disagree” is the world’s idea of unity; however, nothing could be further from the truth.
Whenever the Bible talks of unity it uses such terms as, “complete my joy, and be of the same mind…” “…and having one purpose” Philippians 2:2.
Paul experienced joy in his faith because of the unity he shared with fellow believers at Philippi. “I thank my God every time I remember you. I always pray with joy in my every prayer for all of you because of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.” Philippians 1:3-5
Two can only walk together when they are agreed, because agreement is the heart of unity. An unbiblical unity is liberal in nature, and the desired end is to destroy the Gospel. At the core of Christianity is belief and teaching about God, man, and salvation, it is not merely a set of moral values by which to live. Man is saved by a God given faith and that faith must be in the truth that God declared in His Word; saving faith is taking God at His word!
False religious leaders counterfeit the Gospel by altering its content, diluting its truth, compromising its substance, and corrupting its focus. There can be no unity with false religious leaders because followers of Jesus do what He did, and He denounced their teachings. Jesus’ words, “Beware of false prophets” must be taken with the utmost seriousness or grave consequences will result.
In conclusion, the God of the Bible makes a clear distinction between parting company over principle and compromising do to preferences. We do not have to agree over what color the rug should be, or matters of conscience that are not clearly revealed in Scripture (Romans 14).
Preferences do not lead people to heaven, and neither do they send them to hell. Separation from false teachers over principle doctrines is a necessity not an option, compromise with fellow believers over differing preferences is an expression of Christian love.