The Well

UNITY?

I've decided to go back and pull out my 1 Corinthian devotionals to use for February. When they run out I will turn to Exodus.

Last week we celebrated Martin Luther King's birthday. Dr. King spoke out for his people and other oppressed people of our world. He understood and believed the words Isaiah prophesied, in Isaiah 1:17, "Learn to do good. Work for justice. Help the down-and-out. Stand up for the homeless. Go to bat for the defenseless..." God indeed planted a dream in Dr. King, not just for black people, but also for American's in general to understand unity.

In today's culture there are many people who are oppressed. It is my belief that God used Dr. King to awaken us to this fact. For a time, I believe He is used the group of men who call themselves "Promise Keepers" to bring unity where there is disunity. The promise began when Paul wrote to the Galatians, "In Christ's family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female. Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ." (3:28) However, I feel the time of Promise Keepers is over, after all they are "men," leaving out women.

One in Christ, if this is true, why do we continue to struggle with the issues of cross cultures and racial differences? Jesus came to bridge this gap, but here we are 2000 years later with only a few victories won. When we worship God in spirit and truth, there is truly little difference. Our eyes are focused on Him and not on each other. How many of us really notice color? We simply worship God – together – in one spirit. The problem is so many people in our country do not believe in Him or His Father, and they literally can't stand it because we do!

Through Psalm 62:1, 5-6, and 8, David gives us sound advice: "God, the one and only—I'll wait as long as he says. Everything I need comes from him, so why not?. .God, the one and only—I'll wait as long as he says. Everything I hope for comes from him, so why not? He's solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul, An impregnable castle: I'm set for life... So trust him absolutely, people; lay your lives on the line for him. God is a safe place to be." God truly is our salvation and hope – our refuge. Only He can be trusted to guide us in bridging the gap. The words from an old hymn say it best.