Series 2 - Lesson 5 - Annotation 13
What is the basis of universal unity and cooperation?
13. The basis of universal unity and cooperation is love founded on the understanding of God as the one Source of all life, as the Father of every man. No matter how man may strive in the outer to build organizations for unity and peace, these cannot stand unless they are based on the premise of the one Presence and the one Power. With this understanding comes the love that eliminates selfishness. "For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (I Cor. 3:11). All of Jesus' teaching and ministry was pointed Godward, and this is the only safe foundation on which mankind can build the organizations of peace and service that are part of God's kingdom — "in earth as it is in heaven" (the Lord's Prayer).
Love has to be the basis of universal unity and cooperation by its very nature for "Love ... is the fulfilment of the law" (Rom. 13:10). Love is the unifying, harmonizing, attracting, cementing quality or idea of Spirit that holds all things together in right relationship. As the attracting idea, love, draws all mankind together, making us realize that we are all one in Spirit, yet it gives individuals freedom to act according to their own inner leading and convictions.
Unity is oneness, and universal unity is the oneness of Spirit based on a common Father, the one Mind, the one substance, the one love, the one life, inherent in all, governing all, sustaining all. Cooperation implies working with someone or something. If man's standard of living is governed by the Jesus Christ standard of loving, man works harmoniously with God, with himself, and with his fellowmen, thereby establishing the "kingdom of heaven" here and now.
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Preceding Entry: What is "the devil"?
Following Entry: What is the place of man's overcoming?
