CONGRUENCE

I Was Just Thinking About - - -

Politics used to be anchored to the Constitution of the United States and the truths set forth in the Declaration of Independence. Some of the words are remembered, but sadly, many of them have been ignored or forgotten. Words such as: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”

The Signers of the Declaration demonstrated unity and congruence (agreement, harmony, compatibility). There was a consistency to their stance and declarations, and a conformity as they appealed to “the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions.” Their congruent commitment went further when they affixed their signatures to the declaration following their final statement: “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” Just a cursory review of the nation today could lead one to a conclusion that Divine Providence is no longer a key factor in governance; and self-interests and selfish ambition has little room for a mutual pledge to each other of our lives, our fortunes, our sacred honor. To indicate there is a present erosion of foundational principles and core values would be a classic understatement. To conclude that the nation has stepped off of a precipice and is descending toward the cultural abyss would be an appropriate and obvious assessment.

When I was a boy, we attended a small mission-type Church. Whenever the Lord’s Supper was going to be administered, there was a ritual that was followed. It was suggested that we know Romans 12 and I Corinthians 13 so in a congruent way we could recite it together. A key section, Romans 12:15-17, states: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. LIVE IN HARMONY WITH ONE ANOTHER. Do not be proud, but enjoy the company of the lowly. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.” This was an ambitious goal and challenge. There was a compatibility among those who attended and an acceptance regardless of one’s station in life. Later on, I became part of a denomination that had Scottish roots. Whenever the churches met as a General Synod (or later, as a General Assembly), the gatherings always concluded with the singing of Psalm 133 (from the KJV), “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is FOR BRETHREN TO DWELL TOGETHER IN UNITY!”

Congruence should be a core value by which we live and interact with others. The enemy of our souls utilizes deception, disruption and devious devices to prevent harmony and unity from being realized even within and among those who are Biblical Christians. Paul may have had that sad reality in mind when he wrote (and prayed) Romans 15:4-7, “For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope. Now may the God of endurance and encouragement grant you HARMONY WITH ONE ANOTHER IN CHRIST JESUS, so that with ONE MIND AND ONE VOICE you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring glory to God.” We should be able to make a significant difference in this decadent world as we embrace and practice these truths of Scripture. Jesus prayed, John 17:20-21, “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, THAT ALL OF THEM MAY BE ONE, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” Prayerfully – Consider these things with me!