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How does one keep the unity of the Spirit
in the bond of peace? When people willingly join themselves together, they do
so with good intentions. Each one comes from a place that is not shared by the
others in that group. We all have our experiences, perspectives, and we
launch into the future with that. Sometimes, we forget that not everyone
thinks like I do. When we forget this, we attribute to others “they
understand” my intentions (my motives) when, in fact, they may not. A great
failing of humanity is this: attributing to another my way of thinking. In answering the question, the only right
answer is under the banner of the Lord’s leadership. We have political perspectives
that align, but they do not always align perfectly. We have philosophies of
life that align, but they do not always align perfectly. When we address
another who is totally different from me, then what? Can we still be unified?
Yes, but only under the banner of the Lord’s authority. The Lord molds us
into a thinking people that aligns with Him, and not our heritage or perspective. In this approach to keeping the unity of
the spirit in the bond of peace we gain the Lord, and the Lord gains all
those who love and obey Him. With love, devotion, and conviction, we live as
Paul exhorted us to live, “I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no
longer I that live, but Christ lives in me...” (cf. Gal. 2:20). With this new
approach to life, we operate from the source of love, as revealed in that
which God did for us; we seek to show this love to others, regardless of
their point of reference and circumstances (cf. Matthew 7:12; 22:34-40). We
are kind, gentle, teach the truth, forbearing to those we believe have done
us wrong, allow not yesterday to get in front of today. In short, we live as
Christ. How much effort are you putting in to keeping the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace? |
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