One, but not the same.

During the early nineties one of the most famous rock bands of all time, U2 was on the verge of breaking up. They had hit a creative wall as they attempted to record their newest album. It was during this time that Bono received a letter from the Dalai Lama, asking the group to participate in a festival called, "Oneness." Bono was quoted as saying, "While I love and respect the Dalai Lama and the position he takes on non violence, there was just something 'hippy' about this that didn't strike a cord." So he wrote a simple note back to the Dalai Lama saying this, "One, but not the same."

It was after this that U2 recorded "One" and the Achtung Baby album.

I mention this, because I see something similar in the church today. We have so many groups of people who insist on things being done their way and the church is on the verge of splitting wide open. And in most cases, these groups have the same goal; to fulfill God's plan and purpose. They just can't agree on how to accomplish it. And with all the diversity I see in the church today, I am reminded of those timeless lyrics, "We are one, but not the same." Why can't the body of Christ lay down their personal agendas and opinions and find their common ground in Jesus Christ? Why can't they understand that our diversity is what can make us effective instead of what holds us back?

Before David went to fight the giant, Goliath, Saul tried to put "his" armor on him. It didn't fit. It was made for Saul, not David. David knew it, but Saul wanted David to do this "his" way, with what had worked for "him." Saul ultimately realized that what worked for "him" didn't work for David, and we know the rest of the story. God had equipped David with different tools to get the job done. They weren't better or worse, they were just effective. The body of Christ needs to quit bickering and fighting over how things should be done and recognize that God has equipped all of us differently. We are one, but we are not the same.

One more thing...with every day that passed where Goliath went undealt with, he got closer and closer to God's people. While they were focused on the struggles within their midst, the real enemy was getting closer. If the church doesn't stop focusing on whether the music should be this or that, and whether or not we should have coffee in the lobby, we are going to discover that the real enemy has made his way into our camp.