Unity...

             He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. (Ephesians 1:9-10)     

            This is one of those things. There are people who want us all to be one great big, happy family. Some will point to Scripture and say, “See this is how we’re supposed to be!” They either think that we can bring this about ourselves, or that we are obligated to practice so we’re ready. And, in a sense, the latter is true. We are called to love one another. But a problem tends to show up quickly when we call on others to “up their game” at the loving bit.

            Too often, those calling for unity want unity on their terms. This (whatever this is) is what loving one another looks like, and you’d better get your act together. But, when they are the one who doesn’t fit in – we’re expected to practice love of diversity. The reality is that our unity is under Christ. There is no other unity that matters. And for those who are Christian, our unity is in our devotion to Him, not to this or that practice, kind of music, translation of Scripture, pastor, etc.

            God’s goal is to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ – when the times reach their fulfillment. We can’t postpone it or rush it, and it is not up to us to impose it on others or tell God how to run things.

            Today’s passage is an answer to differences among us. We hand them over to God and do what He teaches us to do. This isn’t easy because it may require independence and it may require submission, and only God can tell us which and when. But both independence and submission are difficult.