What a privilege it has been over the last several decades to be able to work with such a wide diversity of churches and denominations within a variety of countries and languages. Our experience has been that there is much more that unites us than divides us in the body of Christ.

Ironically, instead of tolerance, the recent cancel culture phenomena has created more division and lack of understanding. While we may expect this in the greater society, Scripture is pretty clear that those of us who are Jesus followers, can experience unity in our diversity. Of course, in practice this is often easier said than done.

Though often attributed to Augustine, the German Lutheran, Rupertus Meldenius was likely the first in the 17^th Century to pen, “In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.” The problem is that often one person’s “non-essentials” are another person’s “essentials”!

Yet it is possible to have fellowship with those who may differ in some details of how we interpret some details of the Scriptures, without compromising the core of the Gospel message. Now I am aware that I need to tread carefully here, but my experience has been that minor distinctives are usually more divisive than unifying for the body of Christ.

This year I continue to go through an old devotional book that I found on my shelf (by Richard Wurmbrand, pastor jailed & tortured in Soviet Romania). Well, actually, I am not sure it can really be called a “devotional ” book in the traditional understanding of the genre. Instead of a “feel good” morning read, it is often more like a smack on the side of the head! Often necessary, but not sure that is the best time for such spiritual shock therapy! Let’s just say, he pulls no punches.

In one entry he describes the fictional story of a discussion between the several blind men that Jesus healed. Each was certain they knew Jesus’ formula for healing blindness. The most spiritual of the bunch was convinced, “All he had to do was say, ‘your faith has healed you.’” Of course the one who Jesus actually touched, objected that “faith without works is dead.” Another was convinced that Jesus had to touch you twice or “men would only look like trees walking.” Yet another was certain that if mud was not involved no healing would take place. As the story goes, the quarrel got so heated that each had to eventually begin their own denomination!

Ah yes, the elusive unity in diversity. Jesus works uniquely in each of our lives. Our perception of another person’s “error,” may very well be their valid personal experience with Jesus. In all the division in our world, and unfortunately even in the Church, perhaps our unity would be better served by not choosing to die on every inconsequential hill (or molehill). Just sayin.

Our experience over the years in a variety of cultures, churches, and languages is that there is plenty of common ground around which to  have fellowship. It might be a good thing to practice, if for no other reason than its great preparation for when we are at home with our eternal family one day.