God’s plan is beautiful in its simplicity. He has given two tables of stone by which to determine our character. These tables are in perfect balance. The first table depicts true love for God. The second table depicts true love for other people. If either side is out of balance, we end up with a lopsided religion.

There is a reason why the first table comes first. It is only as we acknowledge the Creator of all humanity and recognize our duty toward Him that we can rightly appreciate and properly respect our fellow creatures made, just as we are, in the image of God. The Lord “hath made of one blood all nations” (Acts 17:26).

Yet, tragically, the history of the world is peppered with instances whereby religious zealots have persecuted others for failing to comply with their particular ideas of faith. The greatest irony is that this sometimes falsely occurs in the name of Christianity.

What the perpetrators of such actions do not realize is that “it is no part of Christ’s mission to compel men to receive Him. It is Satan, and men actuated by his spirit, that seek to compel the conscience. Under a pretense of zeal for righteousness, men who are confederate with evil angels bring suffering upon their fellow men, in order to convert them to their ideas of religion; but Christ is ever showing mercy, ever seeking to win by the revealing of His love. He can admit no rival in the soul, nor accept of partial service; but He desires only voluntary service, the willing surrender of the heart under the constraint of love. There can be no more conclusive evidence that we possess the spirit of Satan than the disposition to hurt and destroy those who do not appreciate our work, or who act contrary to our ideas.”1

One of the great characteristics of the early church is that the believers had deep love for one another. They were not picking to find flaws in each other. They were not ambitiously craving fame or recognition either from the world or the church. Instead, they sought to serve one another - and that service was not limited to their little sphere. Their great desire was to see the salvation of souls everywhere. This missionary fervor also helped to keep them united as they focused together on a common goal.

Jesus has warned us that, in the last days, love for others would diminish and love for self would increase (Matthew 24:12; 2 Timothy 3:2). This is not a good thing, but the Lord was exactly right - it is clearly happening everywhere. The slime of selfishness pollutes the world, the church, and the family. Yet we cannot be part of that scene or partake of such a spirit. Our mission is exactly the opposite: To be a peculiar people. Peculiarly faithful, peculiarly loving, peculiarly meek, peculiarly like Jesus Christ.

“Some are naturally combative. They do not care whether they harmonize with their brethren or not. . . . Work with all your power to answer the prayer of Christ, that His disciples may be one, as He is one with the Father. Not a soul of us is safe unless we learn of Christ daily His meekness and lowliness.”2

Christ, our Example, loved and honored the righteous God in heaven. Yet He also loved humanity enough to suffer and die - not for His holy God - but for a pitiful, fallen, unthankful race. Do we cherish His attitude?