Unity in diversity

Jesus prayed that his disciples might be one, as he is one with the Father—“that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” T08 30.1

The oneness existing between the Father and the Son does not affect the distinct personality of each. And though believers are to be one with Christ, their identity and personality are recognized through the whole of this prayer. 14MR 220.4

Christ prayed that His disciples might be one, even as He and His Father were one. In what does this unity consist? That oneness does not consist in everyone having the same disposition, the very same temperament, that makes all run in the very same channel. All do not possess the same degree of intelligence. All have not the same experience. In a church there are different gifts and varied experiences.  6LtMs, Lt 29, 1889, par. 15

The enemy of souls is especially engaged in this work to weaken the confidence of believers in their brethren. His object in thus doing is to weaken the force of the influence of the church upon the world and make of none effect the prayer of Christ. The burden of that prayer was that His disciples might be one as He was one with the Father; the oneness so close that, although two distinct beings, there was perfect unity of spirit, purpose, and action. 3LtMs, Lt 1, 1882, par. 1

Under the figure of the vine and its branches is illustrated the relation of Christ to His followers and the relation of His followers to one another. The branches are all related to one another, yet each has an individuality which is not merged in that of another. All have a common relation to the vine and depend upon it for their life, their growth, and their fruitfulness. They cannot sustain one another. Each for itself must be centered in the vine. And while the branches have a common likeness, they also present diversity. Their oneness consists in their common union with the vine, and through each, though not in just the same way, is manifested the life of the vine. 7T 171.1

The connection of the branches with one another and with the Vine constitutes them a unity, but this does not mean uniformity in everything. Unity in diversity is a principle that pervades the whole creation. While there is an individuality and variety in nature, there is a oneness in their diversity; for all things receive their usefulness and beauty from the same source. The great Master Artist writes his name on all his created works, from the loftiest cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop upon the wall. They all declare his handiwork, from the lofty mountain and the grand ocean to the tiniest shell upon the seashore.SW December 17, 1907, par. 7

God permits every human being to exercise his individuality. He desires no one to submerge his mind in the mind of a fellow mortal. Those who desire to be transformed in mind and character are not to look to men, but to the divine Example. God gives the invitation, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” By conversion and transformation, men are to receive the mind of Christ. Every one is to stand before God with an individual faith, an individual experience, knowing for himself that Christ is formed within, the hope of glory. For us to imitate the example of any man,—even one whom we might regard as nearly perfect in character,—would be to put our trust in a defective human being, one who is unable to impart a jot or tittle of perfection. Signs of The Times, September 3, 1902

The branches of the vine cannot blend into each other; they are individually separate; yet every branch must be in fellowship with every other if they are united in the same parent stock. They all draw nourishment from the same source; they drink in the same life-giving properties. So each branch of the True Vine is separate and distinct, yet all are bound together in the parent stock. There can be no division. They are all linked together by his will to bear fruit wherever they can find place and opportunity. But in order to do this, the worker must hide self. He must not give expression to his own mind and will. He is to express the mind and will of Christ. The human family are dependent upon God for life and breath and sustenance. God has designed the web, and all are individual threads to compose the pattern. The Creator is one, and he reveals himself as the great Reservoir of all that is essential for each separate life. SW December 17, 1907, par. 8

In order for us to bear the fruit that glorifies God, our hearts must be filled with the love of Christ. We must learn of Him His meekness and lowliness. Then we shall not strive for self-exaltation. Those who retain their own unchristlike peculiarities are not sanctified through oneness with the Saviour. Self is so prominent that Christ is not seen. When men see more clearly the completeness of Christ’s sacrifice and condescension, they will better understand what is comprehended by oneness with Him.18LtMs, Lt 205, 1903, par. 16

Connected to The Vine

I am the vine, ye are the branches,” Christ says; “he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for severed from me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5, margin. The Jews had always regarded the vine as the most noble of plants, and a type of all that was excellent and fruitful. When Christ was about to take leave of his disciples, he gave them this cherished plant as a beautiful emblem of his relation to believers. He had been presenting before them the close union with himself by which they could maintain spiritual life when his presence was withdrawn. To impress this truth upon their minds, he illustrated it by using the vine as its most appropriate and striking symbol. SW December 17, 1907, par. 1 

Can we conceive a closer, more intimate relation to Christ than is set forth in the words, “I am the vine, ye are the branches”? The fibers of the branch are almost identical with those of the vine. The communication of life, strength, and fruitfulness from the trunk to the branches is unobstructed and constant. Thus the root sends its nourishment through the branch. Such is the true believer's relation to Christ. He abides in Christ, and draws his nourishment from him. SW December 17, 1907, par. 2 

All Christ's followers have as deep an interest in this lesson of the vine and its branches as had the disciples who listened to his words. In the apostasy, man alienated himself from God. The separation is wide and fearful; the power of evil is so identified with human nature that no man can overcome, except by union with Christ. But Christ has made provision again to connect us with himself, and through this union we receive moral and spiritual life and power. SW December 17, 1907, par. 3 

A connection with Christ can be established only by the exercise of a personal, living faith. When this intimacy of connection and communion is formed, our sins are laid upon Christ, and his righteousness is imputed unto us. He was made sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. We have access to God through him; we are accepted in the Beloved. Such a union is enduring; every other union must perish. SW December 17, 1907, par. 4 

“Severed from me ye can do nothing,” Christ said. The branch cannot live separated from the vine; no more can we except we abide in Christ. “If a man abide not in me,” Christ says, “he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” But “he that abideth in me,” “the same bringeth forth much fruit.” We shall bring forth the fruit of righteousness, fruit that will bless men and honor and glorify God. SW December 17, 1907, par. 5 

Christ is ever seeking to present before his followers the privileges that are offered to sinful, feeble humanity. He would teach them that only through him can it be restored to healthful growth. We are to bear in mind that the branches in the True Vine are the believers who are brought into oneness by connection with the Vine. SW December 17, 1907, par. 6 

The connection of the branches with one another and with the Vine constitutes them a unity, but this does not mean uniformity in everything. Unity in diversity is a principle that pervades the whole creation. While there is an individuality and variety in nature, there is a oneness in their diversity; for all things receive their usefulness and beauty from the same source. The great Master Artist writes his name on all his created works, from the loftiest cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop upon the wall. They all declare his handiwork, from the lofty mountain and the grand ocean to the tiniest shell upon the seashore. SW December 17, 1907, par. 7 

The branches of the vine cannot blend into each other; they are individually separate; yet every branch must be in fellowship with every other if they are united in the same parent stock. They all draw nourishment from the same source; they drink in the same life-giving properties. So each branch of the True Vine is separate and distinct, yet all are bound together in the parent stock. There can be no division. They are all linked together by his will to bear fruit wherever they can find place and opportunity. But in order to do this, the worker must hide self. He must not give expression to his own mind and will. He is to express the mind and will of Christ. The human family are dependent upon God for life and breath and sustenance. God has designed the web, and all are individual threads to compose the pattern. The Creator is one, and he reveals himself as the great Reservoir of all that is essential for each separate life. SW December 17, 1907, par. 8 

Christian unity consists in the branches being in the same parent stock, the vitalizing power of the center supporting the grafts that have united with the Vine. In thoughts and desires, in words and actions, there must be an identity with Christ, a constant partaking of his spiritual life. Faith must increase by exercise. All who live near to God will have a realization of what Jesus is to them and they to Jesus. As communion with God is making its impress upon the soul, and shining out in the countenance as an illuminating light, the steadfast principles of Christ's holy character will be reflected in humanity. SW December 17, 1907, par. 9