“For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.” – 1 Corinthians 12:12-13
Unity with diversity in the Body of Christ is a manifestation of the Spirit of God, not some contrivance of man. The word “diversity” has a number of meanings in our culture. In this case – in the Biblical context, it has to do with ethnic, socio-economic, national differences. I would say that forgiveness is the first step - we seem to want to frame things in terms of the worldly aspects of relationships - but our relationship as Brother and Sisters is first spiritual.
I recall years ago, I was at a Promise Keeper’s Conference as the State Manager for Alabama and Mississippi. Unity in the Body – racial reconciliation was a key point in the mission focus of Promise Keepers. We all wore staff shirts so attendees knew who we were. A man approached me and said, “I live in a county where there are no black people. What should I do?” I told him that he should repent of any sinful attitudes he has toward other people and if he should meet someone – anyone who is different from him, he should treat them like Jesus would treat them. And if they are a Christian, he should receive them as a Brother or Sister. That the Lord would give him opportunity to consummate that heart change – he just needed to be ready. But it starts with a heart change.
Listen, the problem with unity in the Body of Christ is not just between back and white Christians. It is a problem – a sin problem – that permeates every culture every society on the Earth. Sin has no borders. I was emailing a friend – back and forth the other day and shared these thoughts – so I “thought” I would share them with you as well.
Here is something to think about
The issue of division is multi-dimensional
Christian to Christian - Spiritual
Christian to Non-Christian - Spiritual - This is where the uneven yoke enters in.
Non-Christian to Non-Christian - Carnal
Social Class to Social Class - Carnal
People Group to People Group - Carnal
The solution in each case is not one size fits all.
As a Christian, if you think of "my people" as being the same color or ethnicity - that is carnal thinking. We may have the same biological roots as non-Christians, but we have new roots by faith in Christ and the indwelling of the same Spirit.
Church – it is time – Be the light!
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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