Accept One Another: Devotions From Time of GraceSample

Unity in the Community "Rugged individualism" is a phrase Herbert Hoover often used; it became a theme of his presidency. It refers to a feature of Americans that he cherished and wished to foster--that people work hard and take care of themselves, not dependent on others or begging for handouts. That admirable quality can become ragged individualism, however, when people think only of themselves, when they look to their relationships only for what they can get. God himself loves a diversity of viewpoints--after all, he made us remarkably different from one another. But working out basic beliefs about God does not belong to individual options. There is a core of revealed truth about God and his mighty acts in human history that is not negotiable. "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus" (Romans 15:5). There is one God, not many. There is one source of revelation, not many. There is one faith, one Baptism, one Supper, one Savior, and one heaven. Thus gatherings of Christians are not just a random collection of individuals, but a living organism. Good leaders work hard for unity in people's beliefs and unity of purpose and mission. Good followers help that unity take hold and grow.