As we work through difficult issues in the nation to determine what is true and how to take a united stand in prayer as believers, we must agree to work together on the foundation of God’s Word and the resurrected power of Christ. Even when we disagree, our mutual love and concern for one another should be a testament to the world that Christ’s Body is one. Our united stand and unified voice have the power to shift things in both the natural and the spiritual realms.

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. (1 Cor 1:10)

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This has become a core conviction to me personally since my own family history is a picture of the “church” at large. Even with all our differences, we know we are family and will stand together for what truly matters: My paternal grandmother was Irish Catholic. My maternal grandparents were Amish. My father was a first generation Christian and my mother was Mennonite. My father became an evangelist who reached out to the homeless and spoke in many denominations through his years. As a youth I attended a neighborhood Evangelical Free Church. My next-door neighbor was a Catholic and my best friend in high school was Methodist. I married a Spirit-filled Mennonite and we went to a Charismatic university (Oral Roberts) where we interned at a Methodist church. My oldest brother was a cessationist. My oldest sister married a Baptist and my other sister married a Lutheran. My younger brother loves Jesus but doesn’t attend church anywhere.

Can you imagine what our family reunions are like!?

In my younger years, I struggled with how to relate to my siblings on religious matters. In my zeal to convert them to my personal convictions and experiences, I ended up alienating them and sowing discord. Eventually, I learned to keep Jesus central and our differences in their proper place. Though we will probably never attend the same church or agree on every doctrine, our bonds of fellowship are now held together by a mutual love for Christ, our desire to be change agents for good, and the knowledge of our eternal home.

[T]hat all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. (Jn 17:21)

The Bride of Christ is a collective family. We may prioritize different aspects of our faith and demonstrate our love for the Lord in different ways. Our experiences will differ and viewpoints will vary. Yet, when we have determined to honor one another and reach for the same finish line as sons and daughters of the King, our corporate witness and testimony is powerful.

Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul… and great grace was upon them all. (Acts 4:32-33 ESV)

In the end, it’s not about you or me. It’s about US. As we set our hearts and minds on Kingdom purposes, there is a corporate grace available that empowers us to defeat our enemies and turn the world upside down. Let’s celebrate our diversity and set our gaze on the prize.