Posts Tagged ‘are you thinking what I am thinking?’

Are you thinking what I am thinking?

Posted: September 30, 2013 in 3.2 Individuality and Unity
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Divisions and unnatural distinctions in humanity that exist today (geopolitical, socioeconomic, etc.) do not exist in the union of Christ. Instead of many rebellious men and women of every nation and family on earth there will be one man, Jesus Christ. Unnatural distinctions that divide mankind will be done away with completely on the last day. However in this present age every Christian must make every effort to take hold of the union of Christ in their lives by disposing of unnatural and unhelpful divisions between the elect.

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.
(Galatians 3:27-29 ESV)

My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
(James 2:1-4 ESV)

The Bible makes it clear that the distinctions that humans make between themselves (distinctions of value) are wrong. This is not to say that there are no differences between members, because God determines that each member be distinctive. Instead Christaians are required to align their judgements with God’s, valuing what he values and dispise what he dispises. The distinctions that God makes are for the good of all, for building and sustaining unity. To show favouritism or give honour appart from the criteria and judgements of God is indicative of disunity. Therefore Christians are required to love oneanother and uphold their union in the Holy Spirit.