T. A. McMahon, an author of Christian books and videos once remarked: “For the believer in Jesus, every trial of suffering is an opportunity to grow in the faith, to grow in our relationship with the Lord, and to see Him work in our lives in a uniquely personal way that demonstrates His compassion, His comfort, His tender mercies, His loving kindnesses, His grace, and His endless love. Only God knows what each of us needs to experience and learn in order to be "conformed to the image of his Son." Ephesians 4:1-6 reminds us: “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 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.”
Oneness has been said to be either relative or absolute. It is defined as the state of being unified or whole, though comprised of two or more parts. An Absolute Oneness with God can be indicative of an extremely close relationship with the Divine. However, it should be stressed that in no way can it suggest equivalency or supremacy with God. It merely represents a higher spiritual encounterment. It is achieved only through the special and precious gifts of the Almighty’s grace, mercy, and love. It is individual and unique, but is available to all who seek it. John 17:21 confirms: “That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
We can all experience a relative oneness every day of our lives. As we start another new day, perhaps the sun is shining, the birds are singing and the grass is looking even greener from the previous overnight rain. We may give thanks to God for His precious creation. For the life we possess. Perhaps, the eager expectation for the gathering of our family to join together to celebrate breakfast before we go our separate ways for a few hours, and the jubilant reunification at the end of the day.
When a child is eventually born, the oneness that has prevailed and slowly developed in the mother’s womb during the previous nine months, although largely unseen but known or believed to exist, forms and unifies two entities into one body. These eventually separate and new life is breathed. From the initial stages of conception, right through until the moment of birth, a special bond and relationship is formed as the baby develops and flourishes. That nexus usually continues to grow as the baby pursues its new life and begins to blossom into childhood. The same can be said in our relationship with God.
The moment we accept God into our lives for the first time, a new birth is formed. Another special birth. As that faith continues to grow, just like between mother and baby, so the relationship is enhanced. At a certain point, we may feel a distinct oneness with God, love and trust enter the equation and inseparability prevails. James 2:19 reminds us: “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe - and shudder!”
The depth and ease of an ever-growing closer relationship with God pave the way to better understanding and knowledge. As He has appreciated our true worth from the moment of birth, we begin to appreciate His. We may be able to communicate more effectively in our prayers, seek help in times of need, ask for guidance on issues of doubt and generally feel more valuable and special as one of His children. Knowing that we have God to protect us from harm is another reassurance of our faith.
The trials of life are ever-present, we consistently struggle against evil or temptation, the schemes of the devil or his compatriots are forever with us, but it takes strength and courage to turn away and reject them. God is always there to guide us. Deuteronomy 31:6 confirms: “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
There is an idiom that states: “At one with the world,” which conveys a general feeling of happiness and contentment. Thomas Raymond Kelly, an American author and educator once remarked: “Our surface potentialities are for selfishness and greed, for tooth and claw. But deep within, in the whispers of the heart, is the surging call of the Eternal Christ, hidden within us all. By an inner isthmus, we are connected with the mainland of the Eternal Love. Surface living has brought on the world’s tragedy. Deeper living leads us to the Eternal Christ, hidden in us all. Absolute loyalty to this inner Christ is the only hope of a new humanity. In the clamor and din of the day, the press of Eternity’s warm love still whispers in each of us, as our truest selves. Attend to the Eternal that he may recreate you and sow you deep into the furrows of the world’s suffering.” John 16:13 confirms: “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”
God is known to dwell in everyone who accepts Him, in the form of the Holy Spirit. The love, so freely given, can form the inner depths of our hearts and soul. His guidance enlightens us and His knowledge supersedes and enhances everything. If we listen closely, understand and interpret the chosen words that are given to us correctly and take heed of the carefully given advice and direction, then we are on the right pathway to an absolute oneness with God. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 reminds us: “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
Amen.
