Today I would like to continue asking questions about the nature of Christian Unity. As with most things, having an idea about where you are going is extremely helpful when planning the journey.
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”
Luke 17 v 20-23
There is a clear link here to what Jesus says in John 14.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 14 v 34-35
Being one, as Jesus and the Father are one, is a high calling. The scenario we are in is a town with a number of churches, a wide variety of flavors. We all worship in different ways; some charismatic, some strongly cessationist and some who probably don’t have a clue what either of those words mean. Doing services together soon peters out. I honestly couldn’t give our pulpit to some leaders as I wouldn’t trust their theology.
SO… what does “ecumenical” look like?
I would suggest two areas where we can love each other.
- Helping the poor/social action
- Being a provocation to faith
Social action does not require doctrinal harmony and it doesn’t depend on worship styles. It seems like a good place to start. It’s also a great context to develop friendships and building trust. Many a friendship has been forged while digging gardens or painting fences.
Provoking each other to faith also an effective way to demonstrate love. We recently bought and converted a building in the center of town. It was a venture of faith but by God’s grace it was done. Obviously the other churches were aware, and provoked by what was achieved. As a result others have begun building projects and are embarking on their own faith adventures.
There is no doubt that these verses and others that reflect them represent a huge challenge. How we face them is of crucial importance.
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