I could easily scribe a list that reaches pages beyond the length of an average notepad.
However, during this season, one thing in particular has penetrated my mind. With the holiday festivities under way; moving from one party to the next, dinners, church services and events, time celebrating the birth of our Savior- one thing has been clear. We are not celebrating as mere individuals, but as a family. As Christians, disciples, believers, missionary's, and servants, we are one; and we are all called to unity. Unity. . .
Jesus Christ gives us the opportunity to come together as one family, under one belief, one hope, and one faith. There is no discrimination in our Lord. Nor is there prejudice or condemnation. We are all called to one body. In fact, the essence of the book of Acts is the forming of one church, under His name, in unity. The Apostle Paul also spoke very clearly about this.
I love it. I love that I can meet a complete stranger who is a believer, and be able to worship with them, side by side, as brother or sister, sharing the same prefaces of love and commitment to the one who made us both whole.
We share this bond.
We share this connection.
We share this love.
We are family.
We are both children of a living King.
We are both heirs to the throne.
We are both seated together with Him in the heavenly place.
However, along with this reality, another one arose. We do not always embrace this Unity. How true is that?
The other night I was with a group of friends. Amazing friends- good people, loving people who are all being used by the Lord in different facets. We were just about to leave to go see a movie. I had invited a friend of mine earlier that night and he had not showed up yet. Great guy, amazing heart, with a gentle Christ-loving spirit. Humble. I called him as we sat in the car.
"Hey brother, are you still coming?"
"I would really love to . . . but I just don't fit in, and I don't know any of them."
The thing is, everyone in the car who knew him, loved him. Wanted him there. Wanted him to feel like he "fit-in". The question really was, did we show that? Had we, or do we, make him feel that way? Do we all act in a way that is perceived as openly accepting to all those in our community?
Unity. How many times have we seen a deep separation within "our" church. A split within a congregation. How many times have we seen cliques form here or there. One body divided amongst one another. This may happen for many reasons:
Theological differences, or different worship styles become offensive; maybe a word is misconstrued. Congregations become split amongst different races and cultures. Married couples and singles; this ministry or that ministry. I live here and you live there. You look this way, and I look that way. I did this event and you didn't. I share this bond with them, and you weren't there. Simple fears; stepping outside comfort zones, and strongholds of rejection......
And these things become divisive. They become excuses to the "why". Now, I am completely aware that the Church is, was, and will be imperfect for it is made up of imperfect people- sinners. However, we are redeemed sinners called to heed to His word. Furthermore, I am also aware that often times these "excuses" are schemes of the enemy. They are deceitful and cunning schemes by the enemy used to separate us- used to steal and rob of us of our joy, power, and unity.
Picture this: There is an army. A large army. This army is fighting a war. This army has the same mission - defeat the enemy. However, this army is split amongst itself. There are different groups, with different voices, and different tactics. They are weakened, for they are fighting on numerous fronts. They are spread thin; powerless against an enemy who out numbers them. They have no cohesiveness. Even inside their smaller divisions, units, and platoons there is a sense of division. If they could only come together as one army they would have the strength to push through. They would have the unity and belief in one another to complete the task at hand. They could share in the purpose to accomplish the task.
Now, Imagine with me... Imagine. Imagine what all our churches, within one body, would look like if we didn't fall to these petty schemes. Imagine. Imagine with me that we all stepped outside of our fears and embraced one another in unity. Imagine the power in that. Imagine the power of the Holy Spirit being used as one, not many. Imagine the relationships that would flourish. Imagine the intellect that would come from the sharing in each others struggles, cultures, and backgrounds. Imagine the sound that would be heard. Imagine the sound of one worship to one King. Imagine how hard it would be to deafen that voice, that cry. Imagine. Imagine the love.
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" Ephesians 3:20
Father, I pray..
The strength in each one of us to overcome separation
To indulge in one another
To let ourselves be who you intended us to be as your church
Father, I pray..
For your love to out-pour in our relationships
For your love to overcome boundaries
For your love to be shown in us.
Father, I pray..
That we drink deep in your word.
That we look hard at ourselves.
That we find ways to embrace one another.
In Jesus' name...
May we break down the walls that divide us within our own reach.
May we seek opportunities to bring unity within our own reach.
May we be one body.
God bless us all, and use us each, in every way, as to bring Glory to You!
Amen.
