unity through diversity

This sounds attractive and happens to be an ideal named on the coins of our country (in latin) and is also the ideal of the body and bride of Christ, the church.

There's the theory and then there's real life. If we all have the mind of Christ, we would not have divisions. (I originally put a ? after that sentence but then used the .) We would still have many styles of worship and 'denominations' I suppose, but it would never be an "us vs. them"

Having the mind of Christ is the challenge. This would not preclude our individual gifts, talents, preferences but it would "consider others more important than ourselves" and all the rest that we read in Philippians 3 and other passages.

I'm thinking that God must be grieved by the divisions that are a result of not having the mind of Christ. What can I do though about the whole world, or even the "Christian-(little Christ)" community? Well, I can affect everyone I come into contact with and if enough people did the same our communities, culture, and world would reach a tipping point. The kingdom at hand? I think so!

The ultimate intention

It's the name of a book that I'm reading (by DeVern F. Fromke). I found it in Cheri's grandmother's library over a year ago and have been reading it sporadically. I love to read and used to read one book at a time but lately I've been reading a few at once. The effects are synergistic and serendipitous so I just go with it and don't try to force the 'recipe'.

This particular book seems a little obscure and it has taken the longest to get through. I've read 8-10 completely since I've started "The Ultimate Intention" and I'm only 2/3 done. On a scale of potential life impact this book is around 9.5 so it's worth the slow go.

Today I read 5 principles which 'coincide' perfectly with my current thoughts. I use " because I understand that God controls these things in ways I don't understand (or try to force) but just accept in awe. Here are the 5 found on p. 124:

1) God's grace is demonstrated that we might be free from captivity, but this freedom is to be used for and unto His ultimate intention.
2) God always asks that which is impossible to the natural man in order that His people will be dependant upon divine, spiritual resources.
3) God designs all things to function properly under His control. He is not content to merely set us free, but longs to "turn our captivity"; that is, He longs to bring us back into His captivity.
4) Man must either submit to God's purposes or become captive to some other law. God's plan will not allow us to live long in liberty apart from law.
5) God's pattern is not spurts of consecration and dedication, but a consistent walk leading into a continuous unfolding revelation of His plan and purpose.