Of One Heart

We sometimes speak of being of "one mind" but that seldom happens. Because we are human beings we have different opinions about everything. Our Christian Faith and how we live out that Faith included. A look at the different Christian Churches and the many different ways that we worship ample evidence of differing opions. Last week during the local CROP Walk I was talking to a young lady who apparently was not currently affiliated with any church. We were talking about the differences that so often mark modern life. The observation was made and I think this is particularly true of the church: "We often chose to focuse on our differences rather than what we hold in common." John Wesley once wrote, "But as to all opnions which do not strike at the root of Christianity, we think and let think." He applied this principle to style of worship,forms of church government and even to the manner in which the sacraments are administered. Those of us who call ourselves "Methodist" would do well to follow his wisdom. Clearly we will never be of the same mind on all matters. What then is the basis of our unity and working together to share God's love in Jesus Christ? In a sermon he called "Catholic Spirit" John Wesley says that while we can not always be of one mind, we can be of one heart." Using II Kings 10:15 as his text he says, "Is your heart true to my heart, as mine is to yours? If it be, give me your hand." It is a great sermon and so appropriate even today.