Unity not Uniformity

Ironically, the book of Revelation and its interpretation has been the source of some of the most heated division in the Church. It is ironic because, however you read it, its message is one of unity and the power of surrender. Revelation 7 contains one of the most inspiring and uplifting images of the Church in all of Scripture. John looked and saw "a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb".

This is what the Church can be like. We can be a diverse multitude standing in unity before the throne and before the Lamb. We could be a church that not only gathers despite our differences but welcomes them and even celebrates them. We could be a church where our differences are not hidden or blurred into uniformity but proudly displayed. When we gather in worship before the throne of Jesus, this type of unity brings all the glory to the one who sits on the throne.

When we can confidently declare that even though we're different, even though we don't always agree, even though we don't all walk, talk, dress, or look the same way, we can all come before the throne and cry out in worship to our God in our kaleidoscope of differences.

It's easy to be convinced that we have the best theology, that we know the "right" way to worship, and that our interpretation of Scripture is the correct interpretation. It's okay to have our convictions but we have to remember who sits on the throne. It's not us who sits on the throne. We all need to submit our whole lives, including our beliefs, before the throne and before the Lamb.

So, as you think of your church, do you see unity or uniformity? Could literally anyone walk in and feel they belonged no matter what they are coming in with? Is it okay if someone worships or thinks differently?

This isn't the sort of thing that changes overnight. It's also not a simple matter of being more welcoming, it requires seeking out people who are different, learning from them, and trying to understand their experience and worship of God. If you can't find anyone within your faith community, you'll have to engage with people outside your faith community.

Thought Point

What can you personally do to be welcoming of difference in your church community?

Prayer Point

Submit your own views, culture, and tradition to the throne of God. Ask Him to help you embrace others who do things differently from you.