Minister's Monthly Newsletter
I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.
Over the years I have been glad to have had the opportunity to talk to people of other denominations about their faith journey. These conversations have enlightened me as to what others actually believe and have often put me right as to what I think they actually believe!
Both our churches are engaged in relationship and dialogue with folk from other denominations to one degree or another and have been for some time now. This desire for unity is more often than not driven by that which is at the very heart of our Christian faith, God’s command to love our neighbour and our desire to put that command into action.
Colossians 3:14 says that we should let love guide our lives, for then the whole Church will stay together in perfect harmony. Bob and Debby Gass in one of their articles from ’Word for Today’ wrote: ‘When you’re part of God’s family, it’s your responsibility to protect the unity of that family. How? By focusing on what we have in common, not our differences. Paul writes, “Let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony, and on the growth of our fellowship together” (Romans 14:19). Do you do that? As believers, we share one Lord, one body, one purpose, one Father, one Spirit, one hope, one faith, one baptism, and one love. We share the same salvation, the same life, and the same future – factors far more important than any differences; these are the things we should concentrate on, not hang-ups and petty issues.
God gave us different personalities, backgrounds, races, and preferences, so we should enjoy them, not tolerate them! God wants unity, not biscuit-cutter uniformity. For Christ’s sake we must never let our differences divide us. We must stay focused on what matters most – learning to love each other as Christ loved us.
Problems usually arise when we shift our attention to less important things. The Bible calls these ‘stupid arguments’ (2 Timothy 2:23). Any time we focus on personalities, preferences, interpretations, styles, or methods, division always happens. But if we concentrate on loving each other and fulfilling God’s purposes, harmony results. That’s why Paul pleaded, “…let there be real harmony so there won’t be divisions in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose” (1 Corinthians 1:10)’.
This word is perhaps of particular relevance at this time to the folk of Bromyard Road Methodist Church as the covenant they are committed to with other Christian traditions in West Worcester is up for review and renewal in June of this year. I pray that we will discern the will of God together as He leads and guides us through this process.
Friends let us also be aware of the need for unity in our own church communities, and may we all in and through the love of God concentrate on the things which make for harmony, keeping short accounts, being prepared to forgive and seeking to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.
Every blessing
Jon