For many, the terms “Unity" and “Diversity" are antonyms, opposing concepts that do not co-exist. The thought of functioning in “unity with others" implies becoming clones, while “diversity" equals chaotic disorder. You are either united and therefore undiversified or diverse and not unified, or so the logic goes.

The Bible provides a picture of a third way, bonded uniqueness being walked out in progress oriented harmony. When unique individual giftings and diverse perspectives are harnessed in fully aligned pursuit of a crystallized objective a synergy results, which ushers in a powerful momentum. Being a part of this type of movement is awe-inspiring and produces a feeling much like the one felt when all players on a field “click" and pull off a dramatic final drive come back. Several components are essential for this to occur: dedication to a common objective, harmony around essentials, accountability to clearly defined roles, and humility in collaboration.

This is what God meant for His people in pursuit of His global rescue mission. A powerful reality emerges when the people of God come together around the mission of Christ for the glory of God. The collective ingenuity and combined effort produces results otherwise unattainable, while the diverse collaboration inside the body of Christ displays a broader welcome to those outside the family. With all our differences may we be a people that comes together for the Kingdom's Advancement.

“For just as in ONE body we have many members, and not all the members serve the same function, so we who are many are ONE body in Christ, and individually we are members who belong to ONE another. And we have DIFFERENT gifts according to the grace given to us…" Romans 12:4-6a

“…I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be ONE, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." John 17:20b-21

- Micah McElveen