Unity?

Since the attempt on the life of our former President the word “unity” has been used a million times … by pundits, politicians, and preachers. 

Is unity even possible in this polarized nation where the divides over most everything go wide and deep?  The ‘discussions’ devolve quickly into shouting.  The differences turn into personal attacks that go beyond disagreement. Words are hurled like grenades - loaded with hurt and anger.

A poll conducted by Ipsos earlier this year confirmed what we intuitively know. “Eighty-one percent of Americans say America is more divided than united. Partisans have the same perceptions of division, with 82% of Republicans, 80% of Democrats, and 81% of independent viewing America as more divided than united.”  And the intensity of those divisions grows! Sociologists can suggest the causes of our divides with theories about the collapse of a common ‘story’ that ties us together in this country.

Let me speak to you as a Pastor to God’s people. Here is what I know: whatever the reasons for the collapse of civility those who are in Christ this ought not to be the situation.  When we allow ourselves to hate, when we turn dialogue about our convictions into harangues and accusations, it is sin! This is beyond question.  When we place allegiance to party or even country above the call of Christ to ‘come and follow Me,’ we have strayed far from the true Way.

Peace, inner and with others, is a basic characteristic of the Spirit-filled Christian life.

We are commanded -"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Romans 12:17-18, NIV)  

The third aspect of the evidence of the life of the Spirit (the fruit, Galatians 5:22) is peace, following only love and joy! 

Jesus taught "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9, NIV)

The peace to which God calls us is not to be confused with apathy - having no convictions, not caring about life, one way or another.  Nor is that peace a withdrawal from all engagement with the world in which we live in an attempt to float serenely above the fray. This peace is rooted in the faith the reminds us that our Father reigns, that we are held in the hands of a God Whose plans will always prevail. 

Our peace with God, purchased a great expense by Christ Jesus at the Cross, secures us so profoundly that we can live in the middle of the tempests of opinion with gentleness, even willing to absorb hostility just as Jesus did. We need not quickly retaliate to insult.  Our peace is not secured by majorities of votes, by large resources of money, by owning the culture, or even with power in its many forms.

Paul prays that "the God of hope (will) fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13, NIV) Jesus’ promise is rock solid - “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid." (John 14:27, NLT)

Out of that God-given peace we choose to live this way. “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:1-4, NIV)  That passage should own us - emotions and intellect.  I urge you to reflect on this truth often, perhaps even committing it to memory!

God asks us to choose humility.  Instead of being so certain, quick to say, “I’m right!”- we are told to consider that the other guy might have something to say to us.  A paraphrase called The Message expresses it this way - "Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand."  That is far more than just trying to be nice!  We love - profoundly- because we are loved lavishly.  

Secure in the love of Jesus we become those capable of a bold, engaged, courageous, sacrificial love of others, even those with whom we differ at great depth!  Jesus desires that those who love Him become people who go beyond the usual give and take. He asks “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that?”  He reminds us that “Even sinners love those who love them! … Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate." (Luke 6:32-36, NLT)

This Monday morning, before you rush off to your day, bring to mind that person that really rubs you the wrong way. Think that person who makes your life hard. Now … pray for them, honestly!  Pray until you can get past the “Well, Lord, I guess You love them so I’ll try to be nice”  to a place where you can care about their interests, seek the best for them.  By the way, if you do not know what that 'their best' really is remember that God does, so agree with Him.

Unity needs to be more than a slogan. The word from the Word says “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family." (Matthew 5:9, The Message)  Let’s start building some bridges: listening, praying, loving, forgetting ourselves for Christ’s sake.

"Almighty God…
Save us from violence, discord, and confusion;
from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way.

Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people
the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues.

Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom,
in thy Name, we entrust the authority of government,
that there may be justice and peace at home…

all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Book of Common Prayer,

“For Our Nation,” #39.