Basic HTML Version
Unity in Diversity, June 12
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope
of your calling; ... one God and Father of all, who is above all, and
through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace
according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Ephesians 4:4-7
.
Unity in diversity is God’s plan. Among the followers of Christ there
is to be the blending of diverse elements, one adapted to the other, and
each to do its special work for God. Every individual has his place in the
filling up of one great plan bearing the stamp of Christ’s image.... One is
fitted to do a certain work, another has a different work for which he is
adapted, another has a still different line; but each is to be the complement
of the others.... The Spirit of God, working in and through the diverse
elements, will produce harmony of action.... There is to be only one
master spirit—the Spirit of Him who is infinite in wisdom, and in whom
all the diverse elements meet in beautiful, matchless unity....
Differences of character exist by nature, but our unity depends upon
the degree in which we yield to the transforming influence of the Spirit
of God. Through the grace of Christ, some persons possess precious
traits of character, a kindly and genial disposition; their very rebukes are
imbued with tenderness, for the Spirit of Christ seems manifest in them....
The power of His grace will mold and fashion character according to the
divine Model, renewing it in softness and beauty, in conformity to His
own blessed image....
How great the diversity manifested in the natural world! Every object
has its peculiar sphere of action; yet all are found to be linked together
in the great whole. Christ Jesus is in union with the Father, and from the
great center this wonderful unity is to extend ... through all classes and
diversities of talents. We are all to respect one another’s talent; we are
to harmonize in goodness, in unselfish thoughts and actions, because the
Spirit of Christ, as the living, working agency, is circulating through the
whole.... It is not striking actions that produce unity; it is the mold of the
Holy Spirit upon the character.
[170]
175