Harmony and unity are truly desirable states . Who wants to live in hatred, fear and doubt ? Yes, some people are so self possessed they actually take pleasure in the pain and discomfiture of others. Such people are lost in darkness. They are both menacing and pitiful to behold. But most people want to live at peace.
But is this possible ?
If we look at all the attempts to achieve consensus between governments, we find lots of compromise and good intentions. But on examination we see that self interest prevails. Politicians want to look good, but fundamentally want their way.
Every day life for most people is superficial peace but underlying tension.
Frankly human relations at whatever level are a mess. Few people can enjoy sincere and fulfilling relationships without experiencing any anxiety.
We reach chapter 11 in the first book of the Bible, Genesis. There we find the account of the tower of Babel and the story of God coming down and confusing the languages of the people in order to divide them ! Yes, God actually caused people to misunderstand each other, and to live apart from each other.
Why ?
The story tells us that God’s action was in response to human beings building a city. Men were taking the raw materials of nature and adapting them to make concentrations of dwellings, forming a city.
In other words, men were forsaking the God ordained, natural state of living on the land and cultivating it. They were removing themselves from their God given environment and lifestyle where they were conscious of their dependence on God. They were choosing instead to make their own environment, and to live their own way, contrary to that ordained for them by God.
When we look at modern day cities with all their terrible social problems and grotesque inequalities, we can appreciate God’s perspective.
God evidently wanted to deliver us from the negative consequences for our fundamental welfare caused by life in the big city.
The early settlers in north America knew a free, independent and fulfilling way of life because they lived on the land, not in cities. They were self reliant – they grew their own food; they were beholden to no-one but God. That, of course, was to change. With concentrated urban life came all sorts of social problems precipitating government regulation over every area of life. The State all too easily displaces God in our minds !
Wars and social strife will never end until Jesus brings in the Kingdom of God. For those who bow the knee to Jesus now, there can be a foretaste of that true life, harmony and liberty which only God gives. For those who opt to forsake the god of Self and live instead according to God’s teaching. Who live by the life supplied by the Holy Spirit. Who look to honour and serve God, not themselves. Who obey the command to be Baptised by full immersion in water. Who make Jesus Lord.
That is God’s way to harmony !
Christianity 