Oneness

Describe the kingdom of God! I encourage you to literally describe it. If the phrase “kingdom of God” sounds too churchy, then describe utopia. Try not to copy language from anything you’ve read or heard, but use your heart. Put it in your own words. What does your ideal world look like? Describe a place without sin, brokenness, and suffering. Describe a place filled with peace, justice, and joy. Take all the time you need, then come back to this article.

I wonder, does your description of the kingdom of God look like sameness or oneness? Are the things that make us unique and different stripped away or are our differences cherished and celebrated in the kingdom you described? The truth is, unity among God’s people is impossible as long as we have differing views of the kingdom. We either get there by wearing blindfolds, suppressing and ignoring that which makes us different, or we get there by affirming and celebrating that which makes us different. Are we striving for sameness or oneness? Either vision may conclude with peace, but only one is genuine.

If our goal is sameness, then it makes sense that Christians would exclude themselves from society. Harmony would be easier if we wore blindfolds, plugged our ears, and pretended that diversity doesn’t exist. If I can limit my exposure to people who are different, then I am limiting the potential prejudice that would arise from encountering those who are different. If our goal is oneness, then Christians would welcome diversity because meeting different people would be seen as an opportunity to make my life richer and more vibrant. 

There is a Christian paradigm called “the already but not yet,” which describes our dual citizenship in this earthly world and God’s world to come. We live in a time when things like race, class, and gender are all important to our understanding of ourselves and each other; yet we are also called to be a part of a new kingdom where things like racism, poverty, and sexism no longer exist. Inching closer to the kingdom of God, the “not yet,” is rooted in honesty. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts to a healthy relationship. We have to put in the work of mending what is broken, trying to heal the hurt, and instill a loving vision for the world.

Thankfully, with God, nothing is impossible. God will speak to people, casting a loving vison of the kingdom onto the hearts of those longing to experience the fullness of God. To be at peace with our neighbor, is to be at peace with God. And I don’t just mean the absence of conflict. I mean true peace with our neighbors. To see God in humanity, particularly within the diversity of humanity, that is an indication that we’re understanding what it means to know Christ. God is working for unity among God’s people. When we are one with one another, then we are one with God. It is oneness that we’re after and oneness that we celebrate.

Together as one,

Pastor Lucas

Photo by Tim Marshall