I studied politics academically for five years.
One of the concepts about British government I found intriguing related to cabinet convention. I don’t mean which drink you had to take from the cabinet. It had to do with how the members of the cabinet behaved.
Collective Responsibility. The thinking being that in cabinet meetings full and frank conversations take place over decisions to be made. Once the decision is made, there is no dissent. Everyone supports the decision made and everyone rises and falls together based on those decisions.
Those who have a problem maintaining this are given the opportunity to resign from the cabinet. This is done, rather than give the impression of a cabinet divided.
I am not saying the church is the cabinet. Some want to go on that power trip, but the Kingdom teaches us the only way up.is down. The path of exaltation requires humility.
Some abuse the call to unity by sneaking in unquestioning uniformity. This stifles conversation and expansion of understanding through shared learning experiences.
Yet.
The experiences we share are to allow us to be truly united. Being of the same mind is tough work. Looking to follow your own opinion and remain independent can appear preferable.
God, however, is looking for unity. A unity that means for all the process of disagreement that may feature behind closed doors, we present unity and rise and fall together. More than cheap political quips, we truly show that we’re in this together. We don’t neglect our own, we dare not be arrogant over our own. We submit ourselves to Christ, so reflecting the larger practice of collective responsibility.
We are reminded that we don’t live for self. We live for God’s glory in unity and love.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 