Day Five. Principle: Unity
Scripture:
After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. Revelation 7:9
Thoughts:
When we arrive in Heaven to be with our Lord for eternity, it won't matter what language we spoke, what color our skin was, or even what style of musical worship we preferred. In Heaven there won't be any cultural misunderstandings. We will be together in unity—every tribe, tongue and nation, worshiping God.
While the world today is far from realizing this Heavenly unity, the church can and must be different and point the way toward cultures connecting in unity. How do we do this? We must train our focus on Christ and anchor our faith on the core truths from God's Word. While we must never back away from the core tenets of our faith, we must be willing to allow Christ to be expressed uniquely within each culture. One culture may emphasize relationships above time management; another culture may value tradition over the contemporary. Above all, we must recognize that we all are a work in progress and extend grace one to another, exercising patience as we seek to understand each other and love one another into greater Christ-likeness.
Reflection:
Am I extending grace and mercy to my brothers and sisters in the Lord regardless of their culture? Am I open to seeing God express more of Himself through different cultures rather than judge the differences?
Prayer:
God, help me to see, even at Village, how You are working through cultures to show Yourself. Help me to know You more as I see You uniquely glorified through every tribe, tongue and nation.
