E Pluribus Unum. This Latin phrase was chosen by the founders as our nation’s motto. In English it means, “out of many, we become one.” Does one-ness matter? Does unity matter?
Most of us find reasons to divide ourselves into warring camps, even when everyone involved is a “good person.” Children naturally divide the kids around them into “good kids” and “bad kids” (or “heroes and villains,” as my daughter put it). That makes sense—some are nice to you, some are mean, and some are outright bullies.
This is even true for kids in private school. But what children can’t understand is that nearly all of the kids in a private Christian school might be in the “good kid” group if your school was a more accurate cross-section of America, i.e., a public school. To put it another way, the worst kids in a Christian school are usually misdemeanor offenders in a felony world. The people you consider villains may be good kids compared to the “villains” in a massive, big-city high school.
Why does that matter? Because we let trivial things divide us from our Christian brothers and sisters. We allow petty, childish disputes and jealousies to come between us and people that ought to be our friends.
I’m not suggesting you should have deep, personal friendships with one who abused you or otherwise crossed the line. I’m only asking you to look again at those childhood “villains” through the eyes of an experienced adult. Be willing to reevaluate. Because the world—YOUR WORLD—has enough REAL VILLAINS. Don’t make villains of those God might one day convert to friends.
Did you know Jesus prayed for us—His followers of the future—in John 17? He did. Notice what He prayed for:
“I pray not only for these, but also for THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN ME THROUGH THEIR MESSAGE. May they all be ONE, as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You. May they also be ONE in US, so the world may believe You sent Me” John 17:20-21.
Jesus prayed that his people would have UNITY. He prayed that though we are many, we would be one. Had he spoken Latin, Jesus may have prayed, “E pluribus unum.” Though we are many, may we become one.
God, show us how to pray and WORK toward oneness and unity, so the world will believe your message.
ΑΩ
Household Words: 