True Oneness

Hatred. Hostility. Prejudice and racism. These things still raise their ugly head, even in modern man. San Jose State is in the news this week due to these things. Last week it was somewhere else. They reside almost everywhere, including in us. We like to understand why and so we look for a reason why. Yet too often, there isn't a reasonable explanation. However, the root for each of these is sin. All mankind is plagued by sin. The world desires peace and love, justice and equality. Somehow we think we can legislate it. So we make laws to end injustice and inequality, yet often our laws only make the injustice and inequality more pronounced. Sure, we've come a long way. I'm thankful that we have the civil rights movement and the achievements that the laws that have been made. Yet these things still exist and elude being laid to rest. We think that we can throw money at the problem. We give education, healthcare and groceries to those who do not have, somehow leveling the field with those who can afford these. It feels good to help meet genuine need, putting resources where most needed. The American people are a giving people. Yet with all the giving, these four cousins: hatred, hostility, prejudice and racism still exist. They exist because the problems are within our hearts and are a result of a spiritual problem. Our hope for peace, both within and with each other, between one country and another country,is the Prince of Peace. The Bible states that He came almost 2000 years ago. He died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead in order to give us new life and show us a better way. The Bible says in Ephesians 2.15-16 "For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace." When people come to faith in Christ, the distinctions that divide us are set aside so that believers are one in Christ. Galatians 3.28 says that "there is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female, for you are all one in Christ." Therefore, the church today should reflect this oneness that comes from being in Christ. It doesn't matter if you are rich or poor, male or female, or which color your skin is. For we are truly one in Christ Jesus.and one day soon, people from every nation will be singing songs of praise together around God's throne in heaven. How can you put "oneness in Christ" into practice now? What attitudes need to change? May you reflect in your word and deed, the fact that you belong to the Prince of Peace who has made all believers one. Blessings, Pastor Pete