UNITY WITHOUT UNIFORMITY (Part 1) John 17:23 (NIV) - ... May they be bought in complete unity... This was the last prayer Jesus prayed before he was sent to be crucified. That we would come together in unity. We are a diverse assortment, differing in denomination, doctrine, politics, emotions, intellect, social, & material differences, to the point of enmity & division. So how can His prayer be answered for us to unite when all this is going on? We can start by acknowledging that unity is GODs will & commit ourselves to working toward it. Also, we can learn as Paul taught the church in Rome: 1) Unity demands that we dont judge each other. Romans 14:4 (NIV), Who are you to judge someone elses servant? To his own master he stands or falls... GOD alone is authorized to do the judging. Even if were right, or more knowledgeable, we still have no right to judge. Ephesians 4:3 (NIV) is our job, Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 2) Unity requires us to respect each others convictions. Romans 14:5 (NIV), ...Each one should be fully convinced in in his own mind. Personal convictions are what Paul is referring to, not forced opinions of others. Actually, the desire to make someone over in our image is a form of idolatry & pride that destroys any possible unity. GOD is the ONLY one to raise HIS own children without our interference! HELL mold & lead them when HE decides, because HE knows their needs & capabilities. So lets trust Him to do His job, & we do ours by loving & respecting others. AMEN?
Posted on: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 20:56:31 +0000
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