Unity not Uniformity

This morning I am praying through these words from Susan Hylen - Mellon Assistant Professor of New Testament , Vanderbilt University:
In Ephesians, unity is not the same as uniformity. The mystery of God that is revealed in Christ and results in the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles does not obliterate the distinctions between these different groups. Instead, what is made known through the church is "the wisdom of God in its rich variety" (3:10). Part of the call of 4:1-16 is to tolerance, or "bearing with one another" (4:2). The assumption is not that all distinctions will cease, but that even with the persistence of differences, the church may nevertheless grow together as a body.

I don’t think I would even want uniformity. The only way we learn and grow is by listening to others who have different experiences. (OK, if I am honest with myself I do want people to agree with me for the most part or at least agree in spirit, but that's for comfort and assurance that I am at least generally on the right track.)

The key to hearing each other in our differences is the use of “I” language. “I think…, I believe…, Here is my experience …” When we start saying “Thus says the Lord …” we cut off dialogue. The challenge is trying to hear our own attitudes that can be saying “thus says the Lord …” even when we don’t mean to be quite so dogmatic.

The solution (as usual) is to maintain the humility and patience of Jesus.

Ephesians 4:2-3 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.