The One

All roads led to Rome. She was the majestic city of the most powerful empire the world had ever known. From beneath her marble columns engineers built roads that spread her ideals from one end of the empire to the other. Pax Romana - Roman Peace. There was one power, one emperor, one ideal, and with her might one peace. But it was illusory. For underneath her glimmering eagle standard moral decay and corruption ate away at the foundations that made her great. In the end she could not stand.

The high call of Unity that is worthy of our calling is built on a foundation greater then that of Rome, greater then the American dream, greater then any worldly institution or power. It is built on the immutable nature  and character of God, in Christ. 

Unlike Rome all roads do not lead to God. Though the idea of God is universal, because eternity has been set in the heart of man, the way to God has been corrupted by sin. Man has substituted God for idols and ideas, and wonders why the world crumbles around him. The peace the world strives for is illusive because their answers collide and vie for preeminence. There will never be a cessation of hostilities in the world until unity is sought under Pax Christi - Peace of Christ.

Unity is found in the common understanding that there is One recognized and redeemed body of individuals, the church. Unity is found when we understand that there is One seal and deposit in the Spirit. Unity is found when we understand there is One hope that gives meaning and purpose to our lives and the future. Unity comes when we understand that there is but One Lord and savior through the One faith ushering us into a relationship with God, and One baptism that identifies us with our savior. Unity comes when we understand that the there is only One God who is the father of all, is over all and through all and in all.  

We can try and find peace and unity through negotiation, through compromise, through over looking deeply held convictions and conflicting world views, but in the end it is but sand and the shaky collaboration will fall. But if we come together in the power of the One, then everything else becomes secondary. What binds us together is a coalition of The One. The sin that blinds and binds men no longer enslaves them when the One Faith in the One Savior releases them to love, forgive, and reconcile. Unity is found in the humble and gentle recognition that my way is subject to the way of the cross, and land, title and wealth are but obstacles to the kingdom of God.

Where is the One place you seek to find peace? What is the One component that determines acceptance? What is the One issue that guides your thoughts and path? In the One body it is, and can only be, the One true God and Savior Jesus Christ. I'm just saying...

Eph. 4:4-6 "There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."