Ok so recently at my church we were going over Jesus praying right before He was crucified...here is one of the verses we went over:
John 17:21
I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one — as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us, so that the world will believe You sent me.
Some key takeaways:
1. Jesus is praying to God, his Father, on our behalf. We ought to do the same, praying for others even though we may never meet them.
2. Jesus is calling for unity. And here's where I wanna stay for a minute.
Unity ≠ Uniformity
Unity > Uniformity
Unity = having the same mission, using different people and different methods.
Uniformity: everyone the same.
There's this misconception that Christians have to be cookie cutter, standard, non deviating... all the same type people..and we don't have to be! We can have the same mission and do it differently!
Y'all, have you ever heard of women not being allowed in a church because she's wearing pants? Or how about a man has "too many tattoos" or "dresses wrong" for church? I've even heard of parents absolutely chastising and cutting down their children who want their career to be a professional orchestra member. They literally told her if you want to make music, church only. Not outside it. As in, she was good enough for global recognition but the parents were dissatisfied and thought it was not right...not bringing glory to God.
And that's ridiculous.
As we say in sports and in the Army, "One team, one fight!" We all may play different positions on the field, but we need those specific strengths where they're at. You don't put your fast runners in a position that requires muscle. You don't put big bulky guys in a position meant for speed. God crafted us unique. Not just physically, but spiritually as well.
Did you know that there is Christian metal music? Google up bands like Demon Hunter, Red, project 86...definitely NOT my cup of tea! But, they are reaching people I will NEVER reach. They are so valuable, even if many Christians think they dress funny, have long hair and play loud music. God loves them just as much as he loves someone in a suit and tie preaching on Sunday morning. Let's us drop our judgements, let us love everyone and applaud our brothers and sisters reaching parts of society that we don't venture into.
Y' all, we are all unique! We have different talents. We all dress differently and listen to different music...
Whether you are a line cook, a mother, an investment banker, a military member, an athlete, a garbage man...when we serve others in such a way that they see Gods love shining through us...THAT is working for God. That is unity as Christians.
If Tim Tebow can play professional football AND bring glory to God (by being a respectful, fair, hardworking, honest player, praising God for his talents and using his excess NFL wealth to donate to charity...) anyone, anywhere can do it. And some say professional sports can't be a ministry opportunity.
Everything is a ministry, if you let God work in you.
UNITY.
Our mission: We all want to show people the love of God, we want people to get saved.
Our method: well now that's entirely up to you. What unique personality or talents has God given you? You never know who you will reach. Embrace who God made you to be. Embrace where you're at in life and do your best to love.
Last thing...listen to the words of this song:
By Our Love, covered by For King and Country.
https://youtu.be/
CZYTASZ
Volume 2
Duchowe*completed* Here we go with round 2...me writing down my personal revelations and "aha!" moments to help encourage and hopefully help or uplift you. All comments, questions, prayer requests, topic suggestions, and constructive criticism are welcome!
