Spirit of UNITY

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God."(Romans 15:5-7)

If we should learn only one thing this weekend it should be humility.

“The death of Christ was designed by God to unite races in a passion for the supremacy of Christ and of God the Father. Christ died to ransom worshippers from every race and every language.”- John Piper

Practicals

1. It's all about God- Unity is for Him (worship/glory/praise) and also by Him (He is the One who gives us a "spirit of unity.")We may work at achieving this with our own strength like the world does -just through talking (usually arguing and slandering) but that won't cut it. It's all about God that's why we need to fix our eyes on Him and pray for unity. Think about it, we are all different (multi-ethnic + individual differences) but God made us all therefore He knows us perfectly. So the most effective and the elementary step we should pursue in racial rec is prayer (consistent). Talk to God about that different person that you can't figure out and He'll give you His eyes for them.

2. Accept one another- I like what Rici said when she talked at Common Ground, something like, "It's about time to share your uncensored self with the rest of the fellowship, they can handle it." When she said the last part, I was like "Ha! I wish!" It's time to accept each other whether or not we completely understand each other because as we do this with our eyes fixed on Jesus we will get closer to God (intimacy) and to each other. To the censored and misunderstood, Jesus says "You are free to be yourself. Just keep your eyes on Me and keep sharing yourself with others whether or not people get you. You should look to Me for approval and not chase after the approval of men. Eventually, people will have eyes to see you as I see you." Yup it's time for all of us to be real (that's how racial rec happens). It's time to be our real selves and to be real friends. Let's quit this adversarial relationship- we are on the same team. If you wanna fight then fight in the spirit (prayer) against the real enemy (the devil).

3. In the Kingdom of God, humility applies to everybody. Jesus is the perfect example.

"Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:42-45)

To the Elders and the Flock

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. =)

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. (1 Peter 5:1-6)

Jesus, You became nothing, You humbled yourself by becoming obedient to the Father to the point of death...even death on a cross! Then the Father exalted You and gave You the name that is above every name! Now who am I not to humble myself before You. That You may lift me up in due time. (Philippians 2 + 1 Peter 5 realizations. 1/29/12)

There's more to this topic of unity so stay tuned :)

"I surrender" by Kim Walker.

Let's surrender all to Him. Let's trust Him alone.

Love you guys! I don't know you all :( hope that changes this year.

(To my InterVarsity family)
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Update: 5/29/13 
Beloved, God is calling us to Love one another. It doesn't matter whether the school year is ending and people are graduating soon. God is still calling us to love each other. (Even more reason to feel the urgency to love.) To be united in Love. God is Love. So consume us God!

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely Humble and Gentle; be Patient, bearing with one another in Love. Make every effort to keep the Unity of the Spirit through the bond of Peace. There is One body and One Spirit, just as you were called to One Hope when you were called; One Lord, One faith, One baptism; One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (Ephesians 4:1-6)