The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one. John 17:22
Unity of purpose can either be devastatingly destructive or beautifully productive. We might look at this in terms of earth and heaven, and given the state of our world we conclude that destructive unity is fuelled by diversity. If that’s true, where does that leave the Christian – are we not all diverse by design?
There is diversity in, and among, every single one of us, because God has created us all beautifully different. From the colour of our hair to the size of our feet, we are diverse. From the music that we like to the food that we eat, we are diverse. From the talents that we have to the work we are involved in, we are incredibly diverse, and it is all by His design. Think about the job or the work that you do – carer, engineer, creative designer, doctor, mechanic, teacher, judge, farmer, counsellor, administrator etc. The individual abilities, or talents, that we possess are all specifically given. Many talents; one source. Many abilities; one purpose.
We are all different on so many levels and yet Jesus wants us, or rather, desires for us to be one. In the same way that He experienced perfect union with Father and Spirit, Jesus wants us to be united in heart (desire) and mind (purpose) with God and with each other. We often view ‘different’ through human eyes, but if we embraced our differences through spiritual eyes, we would see all the incredible dimensions of our God and the glorious spectrum of his character through each and every one of us.
The perfect union of the children of God grants us the incredible ability of displaying His perfect character. Walking together with one desire, one purpose – to seek the lost, share the good news of the gospel, do justice, love kindness, walk humbly and reveal the glory of the Father.
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. 1 Corinthians 1:10
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