In our world today unity and agreement are things that are almost unheard of happening.
There are different areas where groups of people will unit in a common cause or belief, but even then complete agreement among members is hard to attain.
Look at Christianity. Those of us who claim to be christians are divided up into thousands of groups, denominations, doctrines and beliefs. We usually find a common group within a particular church or denomination, yet complete agreement is rarely found even there.
Seems our whole world is based on division. Just look within the church not to mention other religions. Do you think christians and atheist will ever agree? How about those who believe in marriage between a man and a woman and the gay community. What about blacks and whites, or americans and those from other countries. Will republicans and democrats ever work together?
The thing is that unity and agreement is probably not going to happen in the world as we know it. There are so many different personalities, beliefs and lifestyles for all of us to agree. Yet that does not mean that we cannot accept one another, respect one another and live together in peace even in our differences.
In a world like ours we probably will not see the acceptance and respect for one another that we should. But does that mean we stop striving for such a world? Do we just stop thinking of others and do only what is best for us? Do we really think our way is the right way and everyone else is wrong?
Especially as those who claim to follow the way of Jesus, we should be known for our love of others. Each of us has the right to follow what we feel is right and live according to our convictions. That does not mean everyone is right or wrong, but everyone should be accepted and treated respectfully whether we all agree or not.
Jesus said to love God and love others. He did not say we all have to agree or live the same way. Jesus lived and walked among all kinds of people, many of those the religious people would not associate. Rather than look at all the labels we place upon people and groups, look at the human being and see a person that God created and loves.
If we see things differently, if we cannot agree or come into unity together, at least respect each other and treat people like you would like to be treated.
We aren’t told in any holy writings that we have to agree with each other. I think the key is in finding a common cause around which we can unite. That’s the point. We’re directed to love others, to treat each other the way we want to be treated. Maybe that’s the problem in the church. We’ve been misled in thinking we have to believe the same things (that someone else decided centuries ago). Atheists, Muslims, Jews, Christians, Buddhists, etc., should have no problem working side by side if they agree upon a need that has to be fixed, and each is more focused on taking the log out of his own eye instead of trying to convince others is the truth about a God that cannot be described. I no longer care what someone thinks about God. If someone judges or criticizes me because we don’t think alike, that’s okay. I’ll simply hang out with people who show more respect for me as a person.
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Good points. I couldn’t have said it better. Thanks.
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So good as always. Thank you, Jim, for continuing to put your good word out there. I love this statement: Yet that does not mean that we cannot accept one another, respect one another and live together in peace even in our differences.
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Thank you jem
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This is very well stated.
I’ve found myself thinking what you wrote here.
I wish there were no divisions within the body of Christ. Wouldn’t it be wonderful?
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Thanks Lee, yes, complete harmony would be great.
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