We Are One

Scripture:
Romans 15:5-13 (NIV)

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written:

“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles;
    I will sing the praises of your name.”

Again, it says,

“Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.”

And again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
    let all the peoples extol him.”

And again, Isaiah says,

“The Root of Jesse will spring up,
    one who will arise to rule over the nations;
    in him the Gentiles will hope.”

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Devotional:

When I was in high-school it would amaze me that all the different denominations would argue and split over little things.  Well, over just about anything really.  One denomination believes this and that one believes that.  We are so busy quarreling among ourselves we tend to lose sight of why we are here.  It is no surprise that the world looks upon Christianity so badly.  We fight over the color of paint used to paint the walls.  We fight over the carpet in our churches.  We fight in the style of worship for our services.  If you think I am joking take a really good look at different churches and why they split.

I have had know people who look at Christians going to church every Sunday.  They see their true behavior at work all week.  They think if that is a Christian why bother, they are no better than I am.  I know someone who is always critical of anything Christianity.  She sees one mistake and is quick to point out how horrible of a person they are.  They see all the faults and none of the good.  Their attitude is if you are a Christian you wouldn’t be that way.  They see all the horrible things done by “Christians.” 

Paul tells us to accept each other just as Christ has accepted us.  There will always be differences between denominations and churches.  People are different; we have our own theories, thoughts, and beliefs.  We will look at the same thing but see something different.  Because of this we will always have different churches and denominations.  What we must acknowledge is that we will be different and that is OK.  Jesus loves “that other church” just as much as he does yours.  We must also accept the fact that churches, and denominations are made up of people.  Yes, sinful people who make mistakes.  Because the church is composed of all us sinners there will be mistakes made.  Again, Jesus forgives shouldn’t we?  If Christ loves His church as it is, shouldn’t we as well?  Shouldn’t we accept different churches despite their faults?

One day none of this will matter.  One day we will have true unity in heaven.  Then we can truly look past our differences.  In the meantime shouldn’t we try to bring a little of heaven to earth?  Shouldn’t we look past our differences and faults and unit for Christ?  My challenge to us all is to set aside our differences and dislikes.  Let us join together in one body, one army, and raise arms against the real enemy.  If you look at the military you will find people of all different backgrounds, beliefs, and values all working in unity.  Maybe we should take some notes…