Our Lord prayed that we (Christians) all be one. (John 17:20-21). But can we really all be one? And if so, why are there so many differences among us? Why do we hear of oneness and we not see it? Well, first, the command “…let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing” (Phil 3:16), is speaking of spiritual unity and not physical uniformity. (Eph. 4:2; Phil. 2:1-4) Notice these many acceptable physical differences in out many congregations, which make up the Lords.
- We are of different nationalities, incomes, cultures, schooling, sexes, age, and spiritual growth.
- We have five acts of worship, but arranged differently with varying lengths of worship time.
- We meet at different times for worship and on different days for activities.
- We support different missionary works, benevolent/teaching programs, and activities.
- We have preachers/teachers with different styles of presentation and subjects.
- We have different numbers of elders, deacons, preachers, and members.
- We even have church buildings that differ in size, construction, color and cost.
Face it, in physical appearance we are far from identical. But spiritually speaking, we can all be the same. The way for us to all be one is just follow Christ.
- In Mind: Have the mind of Christ. (Phil 2:3-8)
- In Actions: Have the action(1 Peter 2:21-24
- In Doctrine: Have the doctrine of Christ. (2 John 9:11)
A very good formula for oneness!
May God continue to bless us all!
Richard Stevens, III
Minister of the Beckley Heightes church of Christ
