Unity in Diversity The vine has many branches, but though all the branches are different, they do not quarrel. ***In diversity there is unity***. All the branches obtain their nourishment from one source. This is an illustration of the unity that is to exist among Christs followers. In their different lines of work they all have but one Head. The same Spirit, in different ways, works through them. There is harmonious action, though the gifts differ. . . . God calls for each one ... to do his appointed work according to the ability which has been given him. We have a character to maintain, but it is the character of Christ. Having the character of Christ, we can carry on the work of God together. The Christ in us will meet the Christ in our brethren, and the Holy Spirit will give that union of heart and action which testifies to the world that we are children of God. . . . The world needs to see worked out before it the miracle that binds the hearts of Gods people together in Christian love. ~ Gods Amazing Grace, Page 211 Like the branches of the True Vine, ***the Word of God presents unity in diversity***. There is in it a perfect, superhuman, mysterious unity. It contains divine wisdom, and that is the foundation of all true education. ~ 1 Mind, Character, and Personality, Page 53 Like the different parts of a machine, all are closely related to one another, and all dependent upon one great Center. ***There is to be unity in diversity***. No member of the Lords firm can work successfully in independence. Each is to work under the supervision of God; all are to use their entrusted capabilities in His service, that each may minister to the perfection of the whole. ~ In Heavenly Places, Page 287 A life consecrated to the service of God will be developed and beautified in its individuality. No person can sink his individuality in that of another, but we are all, as individuals, to be grafted into the one parent stock, and ***there is to be unity in diversity***. The great Master Artist has not made two leaves of the same tree precisely alike; so His creative power does not give to all minds the same likeness. They are created to live through ceaseless ages, and there is to be complete unity, mind blending with mind; but no two are to be of the same mold. ~ Manuscript 116, 1898. We seldom find two persons exactly alike. Among human beings as well as among the things of the natural world, there is diversity. ***Unity in diversity*** among God’s children—the manifestation of love and forbearance in spite of difference of disposition—this is the testimony that God sent His Son into the world to save sinners. The unity that exists between Christ and His disciples does not destroy the personality of either. In mind, in purpose, in character, they are one, but not in person. ~ Our Father Cares, Page 36 There is variety in a tree, there are scarcely two leaves just alike. Yet this variety adds to the perfection of the tree as a whole. In our Bible, we might ask, Why need Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the Gospels, why need the Acts of the Apostles, and the variety of writers in the Epistles, go over the same thing? The Lord gave His word in just the way He wanted it to come. He gave it through different writers, each having his own individuality, though going over the same history. Their testimonies are brought together in one Book, and are like the testimonies in a social meeting. They do not represent things in just the same style. Each has an experience of his own, and this diversity broadens and deepens the knowledge that is brought out to meet the necessities of varied minds. The thoughts expressed have not a set uniformity, as if cast in an iron mold, making the very hearing monotonous. In such uniformity there would be a loss of grace and distinctive beauty. . . . The Creator of all ideas may impress different minds with the same thought, but each may express it in a different way, yet without contradiction. The fact that this difference exists should not perplex or confuse us. It is seldom that two persons will view and express truth in the very same way. Each dwells on particular points which his constitution and education have fitted him to appreciate. The sunlight falling upon the different objects gives those objects a different hue. ~ Letter 53, 1900. In the temple there is not one misshapen stone. ***Each is perfect, and in the diversity there is unity, making a complete whole***. One thing is sure, every stone is a living stone, a stone that emits light. Now is the time for the stones taken from the quarry of the world to be brought into the workshop of God, and hewed, squared, and polished, that they may shine. ~ Special Instruction Regarding Royalties, Pages 20 and 21 The connection of the branches with one another and with the Vine constitutes them a unity, but this does not mean uniformity in everything. ***Unity in diversity is a principle that pervades the whole creation.*** While there is an individuality and variety in nature, there is a oneness in their diversity; for all things receive their usefulness and beauty from the same Source. The great Master Artist writes His name on all His created works, from the loftiest cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop upon the wall. They all declare His handiwork, from the lofty mountain and the grand ocean to the tiniest shell upon the seashore. ~ Review and Herald, November 9, 1897
Posted on: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 12:31:53 +0000
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