Oneness

What comes to mind when you hear the word "oneness"?

Dave and I have been using it a lot lately in premarital counseling that we have been involved in, but although my mind goes to oneness in marriage, that apparently is not the norm. I googled "Oneness" for a picture for this blog and got a lot of new age, one-with-the-universe type pictures. This of course led to the whole COEXIST concept that is so popular today, which completely underscored what I want to chat with you about today, so here goes...

Sin separates and divides. It broke our oneness with God, it continues to break oneness in marriage, it breaks oneness in politics, it breaks oneness in the church, with our children, with our neighbors, etc. Though the world cries out for peace - which is really a cry for oneness - peace will never come until sin is dealt with here on earth. Even a one world government will be accomplished in the last days through force, not willing submission.

The COEXIST concept, that we can all get along despite our differences, will never work either. Within each religious system are specifics that demand intolerance. At the heart of Judaism is separation from pagan societies. Same with the Hindus - that's why the christians are beaten daily by the Hindus in Nepal. Religion requires intolerance. For example, can I get along with a Mormon? Of course I can, but they are going to hell. If I love them or even care about them in the slightest, I will share with them the truth of God's Word even though this may cause division among us. Coexisting means hiding your light under a bushel so as not to rock the boat and Christianity is not a call to silence but a call to evangelism. So, yes, we can be kind to others, but we cannot keep silent.

I won't even try to explain this in politics, but to say, have you ever met someone from your own party who you agree with on every point? Even the major political parties cannot experience oneness, which explains why the primary season is so disheartening.

In marriage, oneness is foundational. If a man and a woman do not have oneness in their relationship, their marriage is going to be a battle from that day forward. It doesn't mean identical hobbies and views, because men and women, though equal, are vastly different. But together they make a whole person - well-rounded, supporting, working towards the same goals, enjoying the physical union of oneness, submitting to God's calling for their family, playing on the same team mentality.

But it's not easy because of sin. If we choose to do life God's way, oneness comes a bit easier, but it's still a lot of work. And herein lies the crux of the matter - we don't have oneness with God. Sin has twisted our hearts and minds so that we battle against our very Creator. He made us. He knows what is best for us. But when He asks us to do something, we refuse and decide our way is better. No oneness, no unity, no trust, no dependence. Simply separating rebellion.

If you desire oneness with your husband, in your family, in your home, in your community, at work, at school, at church - it begins with God. Become one with Him. Meld your thoughts into His. Imitate His actions and His teaching. Decide to trust Him and obey Him at all costs. Be one with Him and watch the relationships around you fall into place.

No, we cannot achieve ultimate oneness here on earth because of sin, but Jesus broke the bonds of sin and enables us to choose obedience over rebellion. It is His desire that we be unified within His embrace - His call for the church is to be one with each other, as well as with Him:

"But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.

The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me. Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word;that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me." John 17:13-22

Are you one with God?

Do you have like-mindedness?

Decide today to return to the Lord - read His Word to learn more about Him, pray to Him, meditate on His thoughts, commit His words to memory. Oneness with God will change your life.