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Bubbles pop.
It’s the nature of bubbles.
It’s not IF a bubble you blow will pop, but when. The physics of a soap bubble will not allow it to remain static (lacking in movement, action, or change). Though it floats, looks pretty, is fun, and reflects many colors, it is only a matter of time until it goes away.
We are in a bubble of sorts right now in some cultures in the world. Individuality is praised to a point that the further from norms a person ventures, the more readily they are accepted. (A ‘norm’ is a standard or pattern of social behavior that is typical or expected of a group.)
It is only a matter of time until this bubble pops. Why do I say this? Because individuality when taken to extremes leads to division. We already see trends where things, people, or behaviors previously accepted as “normal” are rejected in favor of things outside the norm.
Division leads to problems in individuals, cultures, and societies. The greater the division, the greater the inherent problems. This is ultimately what gives one group an opportunity to oppress or eliminate another.
Paul addresses division in today’s Scripture passage. He says, “I hear that… there are divisions among you.” Paul acknowledges that being different is good. But division in a group that must be in unity to survive and be effective (such as the body of Christ) leads only to difficulties.
The real question in this is: Can we, as Believers, be diverse and yet be in unity? The answer is an unequivocal “YES!”. We must do this! Let me give you a real-life experience that communicates God’s perspective.
My cousin was a police office in Birmingham, Alabama during the seventies. Racial tensions were high and he had some issues in that area. In his patrol car one day thinking about the conflicts taking place, God spoke.
Though not audible, it was distinct and unmistakable. He said to my cousin, “How can you say you love me when you will not love what I created?” This hard, angry, “tough-guy” police officer was broken. As he sat in his car weeping, he repented and changed his life.
Are we all the same? No. God never intended for us to be the same. All we have to do to recognize this fact is look at the diversity in His creation! Romans 1:20 is clear: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” (NIV)
Is God in unity? Of course. No question. His unity is clearly expressed in the creative diversity of His creation. Should we then be in unity even in our differences and diversity? Again, no question because this is how God created us and His intentions are evident in His creation.
All the things by which we divide ourselves will one day pop as surely as a soap bubble pops. What then? Is it not better to recognize God’s purpose and ways in His creation and agree with Him on this side?
And how do we do this? Though understanding can take a lifetime, the definition is simple: Love. This is so because, like the “word” to my cousin, we cannot love God and reject (refuse to love) what He as created.
The bottom line of this message today is simple: Appreciate differences and God who created them. Do not let differences become objects of division. If you do, those divisions could divide you from God!
In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval. (1 Cor 11:17-19 NIV)
Prayer: LORD, individuality is good, but like anything, it can be taken to extremes. Though everyone has different attributes, characteristics, talents, and abilities, we sometimes allow our differences to divide us. Teach me how to be different and appreciate diversity without becoming divided and rejecting those who are different. Show me how to live and love others and You in unity–the way You intended. Thank You for making me as I am. Help me appreciate how You made others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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“Today’s Seed” from E-MIN Jan. 18, 2023
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