Big God

Lately I've been thinking about a particular social issue and it's had me really seeking God's heart and mind. It seems complicated to me; there are people I respect on either side.

It occurred to me today on my drive into work that this is why God made all of us different. I know, it's nothing new. We all have our place in His plan, and we are all gifted to take our specific part in that plan.

But it's even more than that. We are called to areas of ministry and given passions that often seem contradictory. It causes Christians to argue amongst ourselves about which ministries are right and which stance on an issue is more biblical; what is right and what is wrong; what is open to interpretation and what is not.

It's too much for me to comprehend. But I'm sure of this:

     God called some to serve the homeless. Some work to teach them skills to give them the dignity to stand on their own. Some struggle to provide shelter and food in a safe, clean environment, loving them where they are.

     God called some to fight to save the unborn. They work in pregnancy centers, hospitals, clinics. Their goal is that every baby conceived is born. Others work with those who have chosen abortion. Their goal is that every woman knows God's peace and love.

     God called some to work with students who are on fire for Christ, and who are leading movements on their campuses. Some are called to befriend the lonely, the disconnected. Others are called to seek out the troubled, abused, abusing.

     God called some to minister to at-risk youth, to give them self-esteem and purpose so they can become productive citizens. Others befriend prisoners, who will never be free again.

How is this possible with just one God? How can He take all of us, throughout all of time, and work His purposes out for the good of His kingdom? We disagree, we misunderstand, we try to convince one another that our passion is the one after God's heart, that our viewpoint is the right one. Yet He uses us all if we're willing. (Frankly, I suspect He sometimes uses us even when we're not).

I don't know how it's possible, I just know that it is. Because my God is that big.

Mark 10:27b "....For all things are possible with God."

Romans 8:28  "For we know that God causes all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." 

John 13:35  "By this will all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."