October 5, 2008

Sunday Inspiration: Oneness


It has been a challenging few weeks for one of the most powerful online communities that I support. Kinfolk in this online community are at a crossroads. It caused me to think more about the power of umoja (unity) or oneness.

John 17:21 "That they all may be one: as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me."

This was the last prayer that Jesus said before he was persecuted and crucified...that we would be one.

Perhaps it is time for all villagers to acknowledge the importance of oneness. Check out the number of occurrences of certain references in the bible:
  • Tithes is mentioned 24 times
  • Fasting and Praying = 100 times
  • Offering = 265 times
  • Love = 310 times
  • TOGETHER = 531

So, this weekend, be reminded that The Walk to Oneness requires:

  • A Disciplined attitude (self-restraining)
  • Perseverance (self-maintaining)
  • Self-effacing (lowliness)
  • Self-containing (meekness)
  • Self-enduring (relaxed strength)
  • Self-tolerant (patience)

I suppose that we must remember to leave it alone; let Him handle it. To be Christ-like means to forgive and wait...

Unity is not the absence of conflict. We need the Ministry of Reconciliation.. II Corinthians 5:18 - "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given us the ministry of reconciliation."

In Ephesians 4: 2-3, we are called upon to Promote Unity..."With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

2 comments:

SjP said...

Unity is not the absence of conflict. This is really true. A hard lesson to learn...but oh, so true.

Unknown said...

Sojourner - We experience events in our lives every day that are hard lessons. The question is whether we learn from them or not.

I hope that others will join this weekly meme over the coming months...