Many have been calling for these two warring factions to be brought together, locally and nationally, so that in working together, clients and patients benefit.
We all wait to see whether these hopeful ideas turn out to become a working reality.
Much in the approaching General Election will be made of this issue.
Jesus spoke much of the need for his followers to learn to be those who are defined as people who are good at working together.
“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me." (John 17.20-21)
Jesus was not just praying for a cosmetic unity, but for deep and costly united identity, which reflects the very character of the God who is seen most clearly in the sent Jesus - sent to serve, live and die.
St. Paul expressed this 'working together' identity in a different way. 'The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.' (1 Corinthians 12.12-13)
I am very aware that there are many different sorts of Christian churches, and many different sorts of people in these churches. It is all too easy for us to keep ourselves separate from one another, and sadly that is what we often do.
But to be effective in reaching out to those who do not know Jesus, from whatever background, it is increasingly important that we start working together at all levels - praying, planning, serving, caring - so that the world may see Jesus in his compelling attractiveness.
During this Lent, will you pray with me that we see this happen?
Thank you.
Thank you.
Best wishes,
Richard
No comments:
Post a Comment