Becoming One

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." -  Galatians 3:28

If you have been watching the news you know about the trouble in the world and in our own country. Most countries are formed around a race or a religion. And still others, like the United States, encourage immigration and the blending of cultures. But in the context of sinful man - that is a "pipe dream". Certainly, a noble goal, but naive in the sense that it is counter to human nature. As you know, birds of a feather like to flock together. People mostly associate with people like them. 

"Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him [Jesus], “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?” He answered and said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ 8 For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.” He said to them, “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition." Mark 7:5-9

The old Beatles song - "All we are saying is give peace a chance" sounds like a good idea until the goals of or the pains suffered by different people groups come in conflict with one another.  Then there must be a victor. One of the groups must win the day. Get their say and their way to the detriment of the loser - who is typically the minority. 

For Christians, we know what the Word of God says about unity. About being born into the kingdom of God where all natural - carnal - distinctions are set aside in favor of a common identity with Jesus - bound by one Spirit - even the Spirit of God.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.  In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory." - Ephesians 1:3-10,13-14

We, who are many, are all adopted in one family. Sealed by the same Spirit - the guarantee of our inheritance. There is no room for the flesh and the criteria established by our old nature to be untied with each other. Jesus prayed this prayer. 

"I [Jesus] have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me." - John 17:14-21

I have seen a number of groups try to achieve unity, but eventually they take their eyes off of Jesus and look to their old natures. Cracks in the relationships form immediately. When will we ever learn, Lord?

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone