Unity for our King

Unity for (our) King

Thais Unite for the King
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/161893/thais-unite-for-his-majesty

Uniting to Wish King a Happy Birthday
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/12/05/national/national_30118005.php


The King of Thailand celebrates his 82nd birthday today (5 Dec) and it appears that all Thais, regardless of their political affiliations are going to place their disputes and disagreement aside for this occasion. Just a year ago, this every same occasion served as a platform for the intense face-off between the National United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD),an anti-People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) political pressure group in Thailand and the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), each aiming to further their own political agenda.

On one level, it seems to serve as a reminder for us Christians. Despite differences between the various denominations, we too serve the same King. While conflicts between Christians are a lot less prominent in Singapore, the fact remains that in this world, Christianity continues to exist as one of the most divided religion in the entire world.

A parallel between the situation in Thailand and the state of (dis)unity among Christians, in general, can be drawn. One reason for the intense Thai political conflict lies in each party wanting to establish their own beliefs and views (this is of course, a highly reductionist way of understanding the situation but aims to establish a common ground on this issue). In the same way, Christians with different agenda, backed by their convictions, result in disunity in the body of Christ.

A simple but pertinent case is the dichotomy between those who are termed “fundamentalists” and, by virtue of definition, the “liberals”. While we are not here to debate over which is better or correct, the point to be made here is that both camps have their own ideals that they hold onto. Both sides aim to glorify God – one choosing to remain as true to His Word as possible, the other often tries to ‘apply’ the Word into our context and circumstances. Yet, in our attempt to advocate one or the other, what results is disunity that stems from disagreement. Granted that there may be no, or little, explicit conflict, we have to acknowledge that these differences do drive a wedge between Christians as a whole.

Perhaps we ought to look towards the Thais and be reminded that despite the differences that may exist, the truth remains that we serve the same King. That, fundamentalists or not, we are all a part of the same body. And even as we approach Christmas – the ‘birthday’ of our King – perhaps we should learn to grow closer as one body even more. Just as the Thais are determined to show the world their reverence for their King, we should strive towards, as Jesus prayed in John 17: 20-26, being “brought to complete unity”.


Pray that
-The Thais will not simply ‘unite’ only for this day but learn to put aside their individual political differences

-For the Thai King’s health and wisdom as he remains the pillar of the country

-Christians will be brought into complete unity for Him and through Him

Written By Allan Lee