Now we know. Trump’s the one we have chosen. The decision between the two candidates has been one that, unfortunately, has brought out far more of our nation’s ugliness than its beauty.
The division of our “One Nation Under God” is painful to witness and experience.
But, what pains me even more, makes my heart ache, is the division I witness and experience among the Bride – the Body of Christ. And this election season has only served to intensify the division.
The divide in our nation politically is nothing new. In fact, it’s this very divisiveness that serves as built in accountability for our leaders.
The divide in the Bride, too, is nothing new. But our division is our destruction; and it’s the destruction of the image of God on the face of the earth.
Many believers on social media have been soothing themselves and others with the reminder that God is sovereign and in control. I’m about to sound heretical, but I don’t believe it’s enough for us as the Bride to simply cling to the truth that God is in control as we wade through these waters.
Yes, God is ultimately in control of all nations.
However, the question of supreme control also begs the question of intimate, personal control. We, the people of the mystical union in Christ Jesus, need to ask ourselves, “Is God in control of me?” Or to state it another way, “Am I submitting to the authority, supremacy, control, and sovereignty of God?” An affirmative answer to this question day by day is the ONLY answer to remedy divisiveness in the Bride.
Call me crazy, but I am one of those people who believe that the Word of God is pertinent to any and every circumstance.
It’s full of wisdom on the topic of unity.
Just a few days ago, I was reading Psalm 133 which starts by saying:
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity!”
My soul resounded with an emphatic, Yes!
But how do we get there?
I’m convinced it’s all in the mind – the mind of Christ, that is!
Paul says this:
“For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so,” (Romans 8:6-7)
And Paul again:
“but we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Cor. 2:16)
And again:
“Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.” (Philippians 2:2)
We stumble into disunity when we stray from the mind of Christ.
But.
We abound in unity when we ascend to the mind of Christ.
There is no other way.
We must lay down our heart, soul, mind and strength and unite ourselves in love to Christ and as a result to one another.
“Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27)
The world needs us to be what we are meant to be – not a particular political regime or agenda – but an example of heavenly unity on earth. The world needs to see the results of the gospel!
So, what does it take? It’s the question I keep asking myself. I know I don’t have all the answers, but here are a few things I’ve been ruminating on:
It takes humility, knowing that we are flawed and don’t have all the right answers. (1 Peter 5:6, Philippians 2)
It takes practiced discernment between God’s economy and the world’s. (Is. 55:8; Rom. 12:2)
It takes seeking His way, rather than the world’s – even if that means the world condemns us. (Matt. 16:23; 1 John 2:15; Col. 3:2)
It takes loving and hoping in God more than we love and hope in the world and it’s schemes. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
It takes a personal pursuit of holiness. (1 Peter 1:15-16)
It takes constantly abiding in who we are and Whose we are. (1 Peter 2:9-10)
It takes disciples and disciplemakers. (Matt. 28:18-20)
It takes forgiveness. (Luke 17:4; Ephesians 4:32)
It takes living as Christ lived. (I John 1:6)
If the triune God exists in perfect unity, then we have every reason to hope that those of us who are in Him can walk in unity! I am hopeful! This is our greatest testimony to the world!
“Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1 Cor. 1:10)
The beauty of this supernatural unity is that it has potential to exists, and does exists, regardless of Obama, Trump, or Clinton, or any other government.
This is the path I choose to pursue.
So, the color purple?
Well, red and blue make purple, right?
Unity.
And purple is the priestly, kingly color, right?
Unity, in the truest sense, is then the rule of the one true King!
And it’s possible here and now.
Ok, I realize this argument is not exactly airtight, but just a fun little thought nonetheless.
“Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus”
(Romans 15:5)
kimrettmann.com 
Unity demands we do away with the concept of winners and losers. It only happens when we, as individuals devote ourselves to living, through the power of the Holy Spirit, a life patterned after Christ. I love your statement “we abound in unity when we ascend to the mind of Christ”. This only happens when we personally feed on God’s Word as opposed to feeding on sources of information put out by media, entertainment personalities, and those with their pet political agenda.
I will be meditating on the Scripture verses you listed in order to move forward in love and the spirit of unity with others. Thanks Kim for so beautifully expressing what we all must put as a priority for the Glory of God.
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Yes!! Part of me feels like this concept is trite – like the stereotypical “Jesus” answer to any and all problems. But it’s true! It’s following His plans and His priority that brings about any goodness here and now. Every good and perfect gift is from above!
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