In Part I, I posed the question, “Why can’t we all get along?” Speaking primarily to women, and specifically to women in the body of Christ, I desire to open a dialogue on the subject of unity—a subject near and dear to the heart of Jesus (John 17) and his apostle Paul (Ephesians 4, Philippians 2, and more), and of countless thinkers through the years.
Our discussion began with my newfound discovery of the waggle dance of the scout bee. Her passionate dance entranced me and made me feel so much better about my own enthusiastic self. So often, I beat myself up for being so zealous about God and the Source of my existence, but after seeing her reckless abandon and overwhelming sense of joy about the source she had found, I no longer feel so embarrassed! She has given me newfound freedom to herald the good news and rally other Christian women to do the same!
Now, it is obvious that bees are bees, meaning they are incapable of being ruled by emotions or unbridled tongues, but much can be learned by their insane ability to get the job done. Why, then, do we, as Christian women, oftentimes struggle to get along with one another? Why can’t we put aside our differences in order to work together? Why can’t we move beyond the carefully constructed borders of our manicured lives in order to effect change? Is it because we are human and oftentimes ruled by strong emotions and unbridled tongues? Let’s be honest, women just like you and me, can be downright difficult and dramatic at times. We foolishly compare ourselves, talk behind one another’s backs, nitpick (is that even a word?), judge motives, get jealous, envy the looks, gifts, talents, and possessions of others, and even harbor secret desires to see one another fail. Shall I continue? At some point, if we are to advance the kingdom of God here on earth, it is essential that as women, both collectively and individually, we become decisive and not divisive.
Within our circles, our hives, a conscious effort towards emotional strength, healthy communication patterns, and spiritual maturity must take precedent over our own agendas. Once efforts are set in motion to ensure that the principles of unity are being activated within our communities of faith, an indomitable spirit of unity will permeate, empower, and produce a rich source of spiritual nectar that will feed a hungry world.
Recently, someone introduced me to a heroic man of God, Brother Yun, “a Chinese preacher and evangelist whose life has been marked by both persecution and miracles through his intense desire to reach China with the gospel.” In his book, “Living Water,” he speaks of true unity, writing:
“In China, I was involved for many years with trying to bring unity among the various branches of the house churches. This was one of the most difficult things I have ever been called to do. For most of the 80’s, the house churches in China were unified. We all served Jesus together and didn’t care what kind of group we belonged to. We all belonged to Jesus, and that was all that mattered. Things started to change in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Many Western Christians had heard about the tremendous revival going on in China, and they wanted to be a part of it. They sent representatives to China to meet with house church leaders. They told us we weren’t educated enough and that our greatest need was for theological training. They assured us, ‘Our denomination has the best training program. We will bless you with it.’ For years believers had come to Hong Kong and carried Bibles across the border to us in China, and we were very grateful. Now, however, thousands of teaching books were also being carried across, promoting certain favorite doctrines of each denomination. Before this happened, things had been much simpler, Jesus was our teacher and professor. WE didn’t ask one another what school we had attended. Rather, we asked, ‘In which prison have you been receiving your higher education from the Lord?’ When I was in prison in 1991, some close brothers came to visit me. With tears in their eyes, they reported what was going on in the church and said that Satan was reconstructing barriers between God’s children. These were the same barriers the Lord had just spent thirty years dismantling so that His living water would flow freely and without hindrance throughout His church! After I was released from prison, I recommenced preaching the gospel. Things were different, however, and everywhere I went I was asked, ‘Brother, what church do you belong to?’ I replied, ‘I just belong to Jesus. I am called to be a witness for Jesus.’ This answer did not satisfy those who asked me. My heart was pierced by these developments, and I was grieved to see the walls being erected to divide God’s children. I cried out in prayer, ‘Lord Jesus, China does not need all these teachings and denominations. China needs You!”
Do we “belong to Jesus” or “to a denomination?” This is a piercing question. Do I hide behind the barrier of my theology when I should be clinging to the vine—drinking the rich nectar of God’s words written so many years ago? Pouring this out to those who thirst? Will you share your thoughts?
Here is a short, yet powerful, exhortation by Brother Yun:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjK2eIg_Q-o&feature=related]
To be continued….