Reasons to advance Christian unity listed
Scripture reading: Ephesians 4:3-16. Text: “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, THAT ALL OF THEM MAY BE ONE, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” John 17:20-21. This year, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity fell between Jan. 18 and 25. Now, a couple of days later, let us remember the importance of unity among us. Psychologists are mentioning “love-hate” relationships, when, on one hand, we like or love each other because we need and depend on each other; but on the other hand, we can easily find the other one to be a competitor, burden, or even an adversary. There are situations that draw us together and also forces that divide us. Everybody knows the often used expression: “United we stand, divided we fall.” The fact that our Lord had prayed for our unity is the indication that we should be at least agreeable with each other if we cannot be united.
WE CAN WALK TOGETHER, AGREE, COOPERATE, THINK ALIKE AND BE UNITED.
Our Lord knew it well that harmony among people is something hard to achieve because he had said: “Again, I tell you that if TWO OF YOU ON EARTH AGREE ABOUT ANYTHING you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.” Mathew 18:19.
What are the stumbling blocks for getting closer to each other?
– The MORE PEOPLE are involved, the more conflicts of interest will emerge.
– The LONGER we stay together harmoniously, the more patience we need.
– The MORE ISSUES we agree on, the more commitment we need.
– The MORE TROUBLESOME the circumstances are, the easier it is to quit.
– The MORE PERMISSIVE the society is, the sooner we will find the others to be uncooperative.
– The MORE IS AT STAKE, the harder it is to compromise. “Someone in the crowds said to (Jesus), ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.'” Luke 12:13. How many times do siblings turn against one another after the last parent died and the inheritance is expected to be justly divided?
THEORY AND PRACTICE IN WORKING TOWARD UNITY AND HARMONY.
While there are enough reasons to pursue our own individual interests, cling to our unique heritage and culture, preserve our traditions and religious teachings, yet there are also valid arguments to get closer to each other and be partners and fellow travelers as we walk on the ways of life.
I am sure all of you will agree with me as I mention these objectives as our common goals. We should be united for:
– HELPING the poor, sick, and destitute. Think about the victims of the recent tsunami.
– ENDURING trials and tribulations. When disaster hits our region, the survival ratio is much better if we help each other.
– PREPARING the future for the next generation. It depends on us also what kind of world will be waiting for our children and grandchildren.
– PROTECTING our country. Have we suffered from terrorist attacks? Can the government alone guarantee the safety of its citizens?
– Become WISE STEWARDS of our natural resources and avoid the pollution of our environment.
– In declining communities, a strong and vibrant COMMUNITY SPIRIT is a great help.
– PRACTICING FELLOWSHIP and creating friendly relationship among neighbors.
– At last, but not least, the more people WORSHIP TOGETHER to praise God, the more we are entitled to pray in this way: “OUR FATHER who art in heaven . . .”
Let Mother Nature offer a wonderful illustration; the closer are the roots and the branches to the trunk of the tree, the closer they are getting automatically to each other as well. The more we focus our attention on a common goal, the easier we find it to cooperate.
Irrespective of our denominational affiliations, all of us should heed apostle Paul’s admonition: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3.
The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.