This week Monte, Dan and I joined a 3-hour UK-based course called ‘Difference.’ Immediately we were aware of the “difference” as the course went until midnight in our time zone. Dealing with differing opinions, different thoughts and different points of view can be challenging.
The Psalmist wrote,
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.” Psalm 133
Three verses - one entire chapter in the book of Psalms sends a clear message - it is good and pleasant when God’s people live in unity and when we live in unity, we will receive a blessing.
Unity is not always easy. We do not always agree. Unity is not uniformity. It is how we convey our differences that is critical. Archbishop Justin Welby stated, “Reconciliation is not the ending of all difference but the transformation of how we deal with difference.”
Part of dealing with ‘difference’ is remembering our commonality. As believers we have a common starting point. Bonhoeffer stated, “Christianity means community through Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ.” (Life Together) We are joined together in a community because of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. We live for Christ’s purposes not our own, we live according to His word, and we live in community through and in Jesus Christ. Christ is our unity. Christ brings us together, and together we worship, learn, serve and grow in His likeness.
My hope is that as we are confronted with differences, we will continue to maintain the unity through the bonds of peace and walk in the light receiving God’s richest blessings. “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5) and “if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another.” (1 John 1:7)
Blessings, Pastor Michele
