I’ve
seen synchronized swimming before, and admired how the swimmers maintain
uniformity despite being in moving water.
Personally, I think the skating, which I didn’t know existed but watched
for the first time ever, is harder- especially in one aspect. In skating, the audience sees the whole body,
so every move of every part of the body must be sync’d with the rest or it
throws the movements off.
Though I
missed the Canadian team Nexxice, I guess they have one man on it. He said he has to be even more perfect
because he already throws off the ‘synchronic’ look just because of his gender
(and outfit). The skaters divide into
different size splits each performing the same moves as their group. Then they’ll change groups and do different
movements. Basically, it moves and
flows, but it always looks unified. No
one person stands out as greater than or less necessary as the rest and the
result is a stunning display of creativity.
It’s too
bad Christianity doesn’t move and flow the same way. Firstly, we have denominational differences
that cause arguments over whose way is the right way, and who is interpreting
Scripture more accurately. Then there
are problems within the same denomination and local church, between genders,
ministers, ministries and general personal belief differences.
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you,
but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. 1Cor. 1:10
(all ESV)
…But God has so composed the body, giving greater
honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body,
but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member
suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice
together. 1Cor. 12:24-26
Oh, if
only everyone would believe what I believe and do as I do, Christianity would
be perfect, right? (haha) That would be
so arrogant of me to believe that way, yet it’s there in all of us if we aren’t
careful. Or how about mentally weighing
sins and such, ‘Well, at least I’m not like so and so who still smokes and
drinks; or always a downer like ______.’
Ah, such Christ-like love…
I’m sure Jesus is so proud that we’re following His
example…
We
should learn something from synchronized skating. If we aren’t moving in unity, errors happen
causing falls, crashes, and missteps that in the end cost points (possibly
souls, in our case) and potentially the gold medal. It doesn’t look good to the judges (God) or
the spectators (the world). Instead, we
need to work together to achieve God’s plan in this world. He wants us to be one in unity (Jh. 17:11,21,22)- in submission to Him as head
(Col. 1:18). Not one person is more
important than another. Not one person
is unnecessary.
Personally
I think if we just focus on two things, everything else will fall into place: genuinely
love God first with all we are and
have (Dt. 6:5; Lk. 10:27), and love
each other as Jesus loves (Jh. 13:34;
15:22). The believers, “…continued with one accord in
prayer and supplication…” (Ac. 1:14
KJV) waiting for the promise of Jesus and on Pentecost “…they were all with one
accord in one place.” (Ac. 2:1 KJV) when the Holy Spirit filled them, later “…continuing
daily with one accord…” (Ac. 2:46
KJV). This means of one mind- focused on
Jesus/ God’s will. They were no longer
concerned with who would be greatest or their own personal opinions, but seeking
the will of the only One who saves.
(Paul urges us) …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.
until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of
the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the
stature of the fullness of Christ, Eph.
4:1-3,13