Division and Unification
Ryan Tittle of Sumiton, AL, USA
Now to him who is able to keep you from falling, and to make you stand without blemish in the presence of his glory with rejoicing, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. -Jude 24-25
Community of Christ knows about division. Rent into factions after the assassination of the founding prophet, keeping God’s people together since the Reorganization has been a challenge for the leaders who are always cognizant that people have difficulty with change.
To serve in Community of Christ is to have your world thrown upside-down now and again, from the argument of supreme directional control to the question of women in the priesthood. In these skirmishes, we have always emerged as a prophetic people, ready to listen and serve despite some who wish to cause further division.
As a church, where Jesus Christ is the head who always gives us the mercy of a loving God, we can step out, making great strides in creating the peaceable kingdom of Zion, even when we are uncertain of our footing.
The words of those who cause others to stray from the Way, or who unconsciously wish for others to stray, will dissolve amid the praises of angels who praise God and uplift a people who are trying to live in the world with the strength of the great Lion of Judah.
The glory of God is accessible to all and shows its diverse colors when Christians work together in strong brother- and sisterhood. We remember it is in the universal church’s best interests not to concentrate on what separates us, but what binds us. We are a church here to praise “the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, [and to God] be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time now and forever” (Jude 25).
The words of scoffers are nothing compared to the spirit of Zion that is waiting just beyond the horizon for a church desperately seeking clarity of purpose with rejoicing.
Prayer Phrase
“…all things in God and God in all things” (Mechthild of Magdeburg).
Spiritual Practice
Reflecting on Presence
Breathe deeply and become present to the Presence with you here and now. Take a few moments in the silence to reflect prayerfully on the following questions:
Where have you been aware of God’s presence in your life?
What is God’s invitation to you in this story?
How do you desire to be more open to God’s presence and invitation tomorrow?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
