It seems IMPOSSIBLE. “I exhort you, brethren . . .that you all agree. . .and that there be no divisions among you.” (1 Corinthians 1:10) Was Paul not aware? Christians, then and now, are SO divided–opinions, preferences, theology, denomination. The secret is in the sentence that follows. “that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.” G Campbell Morgan believes that Paul was thinking of the mind of Christ and our complete surrender of every personal preference and thought to it. When we do this, He becomes our unity. We will still not be exactly alike (this by the very plan of God) but we will share one unifying priority and passion–Jesus. It is like the Tower of Babel in reverse (cf Genesis 11) In Christ, the human race has its first opportunity to stand together in unity. Not because I agree with you or you agree with me, but because we agree with Christ. What an intriguing new possibility!
1 Cor 3:3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?
Obviously the bar is much higher than we might like to think. We are not to act like mere humans, but something greater. The Spirit will lead us into unity…. if only we will follow Him.
Update on the person I asked for prayer about. (Although there was not exactly an over-abundant response I am including this in case someone was kind enough to pray for her/me and would like some follow up). She made it a point to come talk to me yesterday and said that the devotional book I gave her “spoke exactly to my situation.” Then she paused and said…you know…. I always thought God could not love me. I am starting to think differently now and I am reading the book every day and it is helping me. Her usual joking face turned unusually serious and she said, I want to thank you VERY much. (Remember this all started with my asking God to use me and expecting Him to do so).
If only Christians could act like they are something more than mere men so that the world could know that God can and does love them. It is the Goodness of God that leads to repentance.
Lord, help us… please!