Unifying Amidst Divisiveness
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Society has racial divisions. Black, white, Jewish, Arabic, Asian, and the list continues. There are also economic divisions: rich, poor, middle-class, upper class. There are political divisions: left, right, liberal, conservatives. There are many other divisions in the world. Christians operate from a kingdom perspective as citizens of heaven. Therefore, we ought not to divide among ourselves in these issues.
One of the hallmarks of the Azusa Street Revival was that people from different races mingled together in the Spirit. “By 1900, southern churches were completely separated by race; Christianity had divided along the color line. But in Los Angeles, white bishops and black workers, men and women, Asians and Mexicans, white professors and black laundry women gathered at a former AME church building on Azusa Street in downtown Los Angeles. This interracial congregation worshipped under the leadership of a black pastor, William J. Seymour. For over three years, what historians call the Azusa Street Revival conducted three services a day, seven days a week” (Pbs.org).
The scripture below in Acts 17:26-31 gives us some insight into how we can unify amidst the divisions we are seeing in the world today.
Acts 17:26 - 31 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 29Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. 30And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
So how can we unify amidst the divisiveness that we currently see in the United States and around the world? There is increasing talks of racism and political division, but the body of Christ can unite through the blood of Jesus. Here are some things we can do to unite amidst divisiveness.
Realize We Were Equally Guilty of Sin
All Have Sinned
Romans 3:9-10 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
All Likewise Perish
Luke 13:1-4 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? 3I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 4Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 5I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Therefore No Superior Group
Some racial false doctrines are built on the idea that one group is superior to the other, or that one group is more sinful than the other. Some black Israelites teach that only black people can have salvation, and that white people are devils.
Nation of Islam teaches that white people are devils. In the past, some white slave owners taught that blacks were the cursed son of Ham. However, God has commanded every man, everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30). There are no superior groups.
Realize We Are Equally Justified by One God
Downgrading Your Brother is Fighting God
Romans 3:20 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
Romans 8:21 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Since God is the one that justifies every member of the body of Christ, when we downgrade our brother in Christ because of their race, political opinions, or economic status, we are fighting against God’s justification of the brother. Once God has made someone His son, we ought not to deny their equal status in the kingdom of God.
Justified by Faith Not Cultural Traditions
Romans 4:12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.
Our justification before God is not based on our cultural tradition but on the atoning work of Christ upon everyone who believes.
All Have One Father
Romans 4:16-17 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,
All members of the body of Christ are connected to Abraham, the father of faith. Moreover, we are all children of God, justified by faith. With this realization, we cannot continue to be divided.
Prioritize the Spirit
Ephesians 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Through the Spirit of God, we can all walk united together amidst all the divisions in the world. Through the Spirit of God, cultural divisions and even language barriers fall. How do we prioritize the Spirit?
Focus on the Witness of the Spirit
We must focus on recognizing the move of the Spirit and the witness of the Spirit in each other. Do not focus on the color of the skin, the economic status, the social status, or the political leaning, but rather be sensitive to the witness, presence, and power of the Spirit working through other believers. This will help to unite us as we endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Worship by the Spirit Not by Geography
True worshippers worship God in Spirit and in truth. (John 4:24) Worship rooted in our physical geography, race, and other division is not true worship. We can worship anywhere in any setting through the Spirit.
Equal Access by the Same Spirit
Keep in mind that all believers from all backgrounds have equal access to God through the Spirit (Ephesians 2:18). There are no barriers. If we keep these things in mind, we will realize that the brothers in Christ around us of different cultural, racial, economic, or political backgrounds all have equal access to Father God, to the move of the Spirit, the gifs of the Spirit, and all the blessings we have in Christ. Therefore, let us walk in unity through the Spirit of God.
