The de facto official motto of the United States of America had been “e pluribus unum,” translated “out of many, one.” On July 30, 1956, the 84th Congress passed a joint resolution declaring “in God we trust” to be the official national motto of the U.S.
Both mottos are noble. The former speaks of unity and the latter introduces the Great Uniter. A more perfect union can only be realized when more citizens put their trust in God. It's true of the nation and it's true of the kingdom of God – the church. Unity makes for a healthy union. It has been said that two cats tied at their tails may be union, but certainly not unity.
Jesus is the great uniter. He prayed for unity (John 17:20-23). He prayed that his followers would be ONE in order for the world would be WON! Jesus is a bridge builder. He shows no favoritism (Acts 10:34-35; Eph. 2:14-15; I Peter 4:8-10).
So, “in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:26-28).
Identity politics, which divide and separate people for whom Christ died, have no place. For the Christian, identity is found in Jesus. As sinners, we stand on level ground at the foot of the cross. We identify with Jesus and find forgiveness and new life (Romans 6:1-4).
The spirit of God and the word of God begin to transform the newborn child of God into the image of God's son, Jesus (Romans 8:29; II Cor. 3:18; Phil. 1:6; 2:1-4). The fruit of the spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) becomes evident and increases. The loved child of God becomes a loving neighbor to everyone in his path (Luke 10:25-37). He treats others the way he wants to be treated. He grows and becomes great in the kingdom of God by being a servant to others (Mark 10:42-45; I Peter 4:8-10).
Unity will never be found in a humanistic utopia. The humanist sets himself up as a god. In his world only self reigns. His belly is god. No impulse is suppressed. Greed, lust, hatred, division and violence are the order of the day. His allegiance is to “I” not “I Am.” His love is for self and not the savior.
Robert Frost, in “Mending Wall,” wrote, “Something there is that doesn't love a wall.” He's right. The “something” is someone and the someone is Christ! Jesus breaks down walls (Ephesians 2:14-15) and builds bridges. In fact, he is the bridge between earth and heaven, man and God (John 14;6). He is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Real lasting peace and unity are found in him (Luke 2:14; I Peter 5:14).
“Out of many one” is a motto for the nation and the church, but it is only possible if “in God we trust!” E pluribus unum is only possible in Jesus.
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