Despite the prayer of Jesus that we would be
one that is recorded in the 17th Chapter of the Gospel of John, the
history of the Church is full of fractures, antagonism and division. Yet,
Jesus said that the gates of hell would not prevail against it.
Jesus also told us the reason for this
unity, "so that the world may know that you have sent me and have
loved them even as you have loved me." (John 17:23)
All too often leaders in the Church have taken unity to
mean "conformity". If you want an example of true conformity we
can look to the silly cults around us. They dress alike they talk alike and
their leaders are feared. Unfortunately there have been moments when we have
accomplished the same.
The early church was anything but uniform. After
Pentecost the church went South, then North, East and West. These were
different nations with diverse cultures and languages. The gospel brought
healing and reconciliation to all...Greek, Jew and barbarian; slave and free.
Christian unity included the diversity of our gifts and callings.
Paul was called to the Gentiles, Peter to the Jews. The diversity
of the church and these divergent gifts were for the building up of the Body.
Jesus said that He would build His Church and He
continues to build, lead and direct His Church. One of the ways that He is building His Church is through the vast diversity of individuals, gifts, local churches, worship styles, teachings, traditions and even doctrines.
It is after all, His Church.
