Saturday, November 08, 2008

what unites Christians

Recently I've been reminded again at just how Christians can differ over important matters such as politics, science, theology, and we can add more: spiritual gifts, culture, views on disputable issues like dancing, etc. So often these are brought to the forefront and end up dividing us who are actually one in Jesus.

We need a clarion call back to the unity we have in Jesus by the Spirit. We are to pray, "Our Father....", and we're to be united as one. Do I always do well in this? No. Sometimes I grow weary of disputes over what divide us as Christians, and just seek to withdraw. There is a time and place for that. But in the end we're all in this together, and we need to learn to live well together with all our differences.

We need to quit looking at other Christians under this label and that, and see that essentially we're all one in Christ, members of his Body, together as God's people in this world. We don't have to resolve all our differences to live well in this way. But it is a challenge at times.

What do you think the answer is to this problem? Maybe you encounter this reality over different matters, such as differing opinions by people who essentially agree on most everything else.

What ways any reader out there has found helpful towards the hard work of keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4)?

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

we can not rely on things and our own ideas and beliefs to unite people, for whatever in life unites in this way can also divide.

the only way to be united is by the overall acceptance and Love that God gives to all humans.

the Holy Spirit will speak through this according to God instead of us trying to do it according to our own power.

i am just beginning to understand how this this applies to all parts of life for all time.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Nancy,
Yes. Only "in Jesus" is humankind united forever. All else will go by the wayside, though some things serve a purpose as secondary means from God, or through the ability God gives humans made in God's image- toward healthy relationships in this world.

Yes, the work of the Spirit. We need to know that more. Good to see God is helping you to understand this more as to how it works out in life. I need to learn more.