The Power of One

What is happening in the world around us? With increasing regularity race is becoming the source of discontentment, frustration, and division among us. In any conversation where differences of opinion arise between people of varied ethnic backgrounds the accusation of racism quickly surfaces. Everyone seems so focused on promoting and pushing forward “My people” or “My culture” to the exclusion or detriment of everyone else that we cannot function as a cohesive society. We have become a divided, fragmented, dysfunctional mess. I find it hard to see US as “one nation under God”.

Has this attitude of separationism infected the church? In every community you can find churches of not only every imaginable denominational flavor, but of every ethnic flavor as well. I understand we all have taste preferences. I am not denying the existence of language barriers. I would be among the first to admit certain types of music do not appeal to me and inhibit my ability to worship, but overcoming these challenges must be our priority if we intend to live up to Scriptural principles and not drag biblical standards down to our comfort levels.

“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:27-28 (KJV)

The reality of being “one in Christ” is in direct opposition to the attitude of separationism being exhibited today in many congregations. The authority we have as the church flows from the authority and power of  “One”.

“[There is] one body and one Spirit--just as there is also one hope [that belongs] to the calling you received--[There is] one Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of [us] all, Who is above all [Sovereign over all], pervading all and [living] in [us] all.” Ephesians 4:4-6 (AMP)

Has the rushing force of unity within the body of Christ been replaced by the pitter pattering of rain drops that are our egos, emotions and personal preferences? Throughout Scripture the Holy Spirit, the Wrath of God, has been compared to “a rushing wind”, “a mighty flood”, and “a consuming fire”. The effects of each of these things, in the natural, is magnified and intensified by a narrow focus. Picture the church as a wind tunnel, a high pressure hose, or a flame-thrower each has overwhelming power directed through a singular focus.

“I hate all your show and pretense—the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies. I will not accept your burnt offerings and grain offerings. I won’t even notice all your choice peace offerings.  Away with your noisy hymns of praise! I will not listen to the music of your harps. Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living.” Amos 5:21-24 (NLT)

Without unity the church is reduced from “a mighty flood of justice” to one of those very pretty, very ornate, very fashionable, yet useless over-sized showerheads. You know the showerheads used in hotels and resorts to give us a feeling of comfort and tranquility as their weak individualized streams of water wash over us. They are powerless to remove the dirt and grime that we address each day in this world, but they make us happy. I cannot speak for you, but I get into a shower to get rid of physical filth, and I go to church to be challenged, equipped, and encouraged spiritually to become an example of righteousness, to get rid of sin through the renewing of my mind.

In the Biblical record, The Tower of Babel points out that in the beginning we all spoke the same language. It also tells us that unity of purpose and will insures success.

“AND THE whole earth was of one language and of one accent and mode of expression…And the Lord said, Behold, they are one people and they have all one language; and this is only the beginning of what they will do, and now nothing they have imagined they can do will be impossible for them.” Genesis 11:1 & 6 (AMP)

At that time the focus of human purpose and will was directed in opposition to God and resulted in His confusion of the language as our punishment. But, there is still an overwhelming power realized as we become “One”. Each technological advancement we have made, throughout the centuries teaches us this truth – “If we can dream it we can do it”.

In the beginning, God created us in His image and the human race was born. There is only one race. As the Body of Christ our challenge is to harness the power of unity and focus all our effort to accomplish the will of God. Luke chapter 9 tells us that Jesus sent out His twelve disciples with power and authority. Their purpose was to preach about the Kingdom of God and to heal diseases.

“Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.” Luke 9:1-2 (KJV)

The twelve became eighty-two as Christ added seventy disciples in Luke chapter ten and in Acts chapter two they had grown to one hundred twenty. By now the number of disciples has reached untold millions and the same authority and power remains the focus of our mission.

“[There is] one body and one Spirit--just as there is also one hope [that belongs] to the calling you received--[There is] one Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of [us] all, Who is above all [Sovereign over all], pervading all and [living] in [us] all.” Ephesians 4:4-6 (AMP)

God is the only One accurately tracking the number of believers, but His Word calls us one in Christ. It is past time for the people of God to rediscover and activate the power of One. If we are to remain relevant, we must lay aside racial separationism and overcome the “forces of darkness” by the power of His love. Christ Himself said, “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” Mark 3:25 (NIV)  The question that matters today is: Are we willing to become one?

“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:27-28 (KJV)