Southwestern Union Record

Unity in the church, in our local churches, in our organization and in the Adventist world—is it possible? When we think of our continued growth, the continuing challenges, and the fundamentals of our marked diversity, is it unrealistic to think that we can be truly united?

Is it an unreachable dream to think that one day we will truly work together, unhindered by our unique differences? Is it a fictional utopia to visualize a united and undivided church? Or is it a real possibility, an ideal, which we ought to address and that we should strive for and work toward? If it is a real possibility, is it optional for us, as members and leaders, to decide when to carry out this work? Is it a priority, before any more time passes, and before our attitudes and practices impede the Lord being able to use us in the best possible way?

I’m inspired and moved when I think of Jesus praying for His disciples, for us, and for His people, pleading, “That they all may be one...I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.” (John 17: 21-23, NKJV).

I sincerely believe that when Christ prayed, He was not hallucinating or dreaming, or even describing a utopian experience. He was praying because in Him and with the power of the Holy Spirit this has to be a real experience and a possible one. It is clear that the only reason why His prophetic prayer has not yet been fulfilled is because of us, and perhaps it may be one of the reasons why we are still here.

Are we not dismayed and concerned? Is it an idealistic dream to think that here in the United States, where our church was born, we can live out an experience of “perfect unity”? Is it unrealistic to think that we can work together despite our differences—hand to hand, arm in arm?

How can we experience this reality? Why have we not yet been able to achieve this ideal of Christ? Basically, we need love and a spirit of service. He taught us, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35, NKJV). It is clear that it is vital for us to pursue and complete the mission entrusted to us. What is crucial and what empowers our testimony is our love.

Jesus also teaches us by example and tells us that dominion, authority, or human greatness are not part of His plan for our church. “Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant” (Matthew 20:26, NKJV). The more responsibility that is passed on to us, the more we serve, the more enabling we become, the more we help; and like our teacher, we give ourselves “as a ransom for many.”

It depends on all of us—leading officials, pastors, leaders, and members. In God’s hands and with the power of His Spirit, we can live a sincere experience of fervent love with a humble spirit of service, thus enjoying a perfect unity that will illuminate Texas with His glory. Only then will we be closer to seeing Jesus coming back for us and to living eternally, united in perfect harmony.