We live in a world that often emphasizes our differences and divisions, there's a profound message of unity that transcends our human categories and classifications. This unity isn't about erasing our uniqueness or forcing everyone into the same mold. Instead, it's about recognizing that despite our differences, we are all one in Christ.
The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, paints a beautiful picture of this unity. He urges believers to "live a life worthy of the calling you have received" (Ephesians 4:1). But what does this look like in practice? How do we live out this calling in a world full of diverse people and perspectives?
Paul provides a roadmap for this journey, outlining key virtues that are essential for maintaining unity:
1. Humility: This isn't about thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less. It's about having an honest appraisal of our strengths and weaknesses, and not putting on airs or pretending to be something we're not.
2. Gentleness: Often translated as meekness, this virtue is about having power under control. It's about being considerate of others and prioritizing their needs above our own.
3. Patience: In a world of instant gratification, patience can be a rare commodity. Yet, it's crucial for maintaining unity. It involves bearing with others' failings and difficult situations with love and understanding.
4. Bearing with one another in love: This goes beyond mere tolerance. It's about actively choosing to love others, even when it's difficult. Remember, love isn't just a feeling – it's an action, a commitment to the benefit of others.
These virtues don't come naturally to us. They require intentional effort and practice. But as we work on cultivating these qualities, we begin to reflect the character of Christ more clearly.
Paul goes on to emphasize the oneness we have in Christ. He lists seven elements that unite all believers:
"There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (Ephesians 4:4-6)
This sevenfold oneness is reminiscent of the Jewish Shema – "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one." It's a powerful declaration of unity that transcends our human divisions. Our unity isn't based on our political affiliations, economic status, ethnic identities, or even our denominational preferences. It's rooted in our shared faith in Christ.
However, this unity doesn't mean uniformity. In fact, Paul goes on to celebrate the diversity within the body of Christ. He writes, "But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it" (Ephesians 4:7). Each believer has been given unique gifts and talents to contribute to the body of Christ.
This diversity is not a bug, but a feature of God's design for the church. Just as a human body is made up of many different parts, each with its own function, so too is the body of Christ. "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:12).
Our differences, when submitted to Christ, don't divide us – they complete us. They allow us to function as a whole, with each person bringing their unique contribution to the table.
However, maintaining this unity amidst diversity isn't always easy. It requires us to focus on what unites us rather than what divides us. Paul provides a helpful approach in his letter to the Romans, where he addresses disputes between different groups of believers. He advises them to "accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters" (Romans 14:1).
The key is to keep the main thing the main thing. Paul articulates this clearly in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures."
This is the core of our faith – the death and resurrection of Christ for our salvation. Everything else, while potentially important, is secondary to this central truth.
Living out this unity requires intentionality and effort. It means being willing to bear with one another, to show patience and love even when we disagree. It means being humble enough to admit that we might not have all the answers, and gentle enough to listen to perspectives different from our own.
It also means recognizing that each of us brings something unique and valuable to the body of Christ. We're not called to be carbon copies of each other, but to be the best version of who God has created us to be.
As we embrace this unity in diversity, we become a powerful witness to the world. Jesus himself prayed for this unity among his followers, "that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me" (John 17:22-23).
Our unity, despite our differences, is a testament to the transforming power of Christ's love. It's a declaration that in Christ, there is room for everyone – regardless of background, culture, or personal history.
So let's embrace this calling to unity. Let's cultivate humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Let's focus on what unites us in Christ, while celebrating the unique gifts and perspectives each person brings. And in doing so, may we truly live lives worthy of the calling we have received, reflecting the love and unity of Christ to a watching world.