“that you may with one mind and one mouth …” (Rom. 15:6, NKJV)
In previous teachings we explored the meaning of mantles, and have been employing the mantle of Elijah as prototype. In tracing the unfolding of his calling we looked at a number of facets in the formation of the mantle, and during the last couple, specifically looked at the concept of ‘anointing’. We focused on Ps. 133, which was exegetically examined concerning anointing and “how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity”. We found that that is where God’s blessing is found. From this stems two aspects of importance that need further discussion:
- misunderstanding the idea of “unity” in the Body; and
- where is God’s blessing to be found?
There has been an immense focus on the importance of “unity” in the Body of Christ over centuries, one that has persisted to the present day. In various towns and cities I have had first-hand experience of the common call that pastors, reverends and ministers should at all cost walk in unity. Many ecunemical events of an inter-denominational nature took place with the best of intentions, but never lasted long. During these events we would avoid speaking about contentious issues, like baptism, and only focusing on social issues in the local community, communual actions such as prayer gatherings for rain or political stability, etc. But before long the inevitable dogma disagreement would break out, or a Reformed reverend would complain that some of his members had been baptised at a Pentecostal church, and that flocks should not circulate between churches, or some other fight would occur. The group would die a quiet death, before the next well-meaning spiritual leader would feel convicted about the lack of unity in the Body, and the process would start again.
A declaration by pope Benedict XVI on July 10th 2007 made headlines around the world. He made it clear that there exists only one true Church of Jesus Christ, namely the Roman Catholic Church, and that all other churches are merely Christian communities. These communities are referred to as “the separated brethren”, and they should be convinced to return to the “one true Church”.
This attitude is often found in a large variety of church groups. It is however inevitable that such a ridiculous statement be proclaimed in public, as many faith communities consider themselves to have the upper hand when it comes to their teaching, confessional issues, dogma, rituals, institutions, etc. They believe they are in possession of the complete truth.
In the teaching of Day 175 it was already spelled out that the Word is very clear about the fact that we all only know in part, and prophesy in part, and that we see in a mirror, dimly (1 Cor. 13:9 & 12). This means that no one is in possession of the complete truth, and that all of us are misled in some or other way. There is some comfort to be found in this, as Job (12 :16b) states, “the deceived and the deceiver are His”! We have hope that there will come a time where even the fool will no longer be misled (Isa. 35:8). This asks that we remain completely teachable, and submit to one another in the fear of God (Eph. 5:21).
- Selah: Where does true unity lie?
- Read: 22-23.
- Memorise: 22:28 (note the warning!).
