Saturday, August 29, 1998

God's people need to catch the vision of unity

By JIM POLK

Guest Columnist

This is an open letter to all Christians who are members of the body of Christ. I feel compelled to write it because God has put it in my heart to do so, even though I fully realize that I am only one small voice crying in the wilderness.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, it saddens me deeply to see and experience the division that exists in God's church. Denominational and racial barriers separate and present us from being one in the body of Christ.

God's word says in Ephesians 4:4-6 that there is one body, one spirit and one hope. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God who is over all and in all.

Ephesians also says we should promote unity in the church because we are all God's people. Therefore, my fellow Christians, I urge us to unite in that one body, so that we can go forward in the name of Jesus to defeat Satan's army.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, my most fervent prayer is that the day will come when the walls of denominationalism and race are torn down so that we can come together in worship, praise, prayer and fellowship.

This is God's will for his people. We cannot be pleasing to God and continue our separateness because of another's denomination or color. God's Word says plainly that this is wrong.

On the positive side, I firmly believe the various denominations will come together in a spirit of love, ending many centuries of division. However, the most difficult task for all Christians will be the elimination of our subtle, yet deeply ingrained racial prejudices. By that, I mean racial prejudices held by any race against another race.

I personally attend a mixed race church composed of black, white, brown and other colors. When I started going to this church I did not know how much love could be generated among Christians of all colors. We have the same hopes and dreams, and most of all the same God.

Jesus said he would return for a church without spots or blemishes, and racial prejudice causes both spots and blemishes.

My fellow Christians, it is truly God's will for all of us to be united in one body during our short stay here on earth. Otherwise, how can we expect to attain heaven? After all, God will not separate his creatures according to race or color.

So, where will that leave those who refused to love and worship him together while on earth?

Brethren, let us forget our prejudices and work together for the increase of God's kingdom. We should get to know all of our fellow Christians by inviting them into our homes and churches. Let us exchange speakers and choirs, engage in recreational activities, and most importantly, worship God together.

We will be amazed at the differences in our attitudes and moral values when we get to know each other on a personal basis. We serve a mighty God. Let us be pleasing to him.

Let us look for Christ in all people and they will see Christ in us. The best witnessing tool we have is ourselves.

This is the vision God has given me, and I hope it is your vision, also.