The Bible is very real – the interaction of humans with their frailties and inconsistencies, desires and appetites.

Even the greatest of men have ‘feet of clay.’

Think of David, the great king of Israel.

David nearly lost the kingdom.

Jonadab, David’s nephew, was a schemer and influenced Amnon, David’s son, to get Tamar alone.

Taking this opportunity, Amnon raped Tamar his half-sister.

David failed to spot this turn of events, and failed to discipline Amnon (how could he, since he had previously been guilty of sexual sin?)

In revenge, Absalom killed Amnon.

David failed to reconcile with Absalom. Even Joab setting fire to Absalom’s field did not bring any improvement in the relationship.

In the meantime, Absalom usurped David’s throne, driving him out of his palace.

Absalom was killed by Joab, the loyal but brutal general of David’s army.

David returned to reclaim his crown, but things were never the same again.

Well, that’s life. Its messy.

The Bible tells it like it is. In part, that is why it is so relevant and powerful!

Further reading in the Old Testament – 2 Samuel 13-19.

In the context of maintaining unity (Eph 4.3) and attaining to unity (v13) we are commanded to be humble and gentle and patient and to bear with one another in love.

Unity is not achieved by us lording it over others; nor by demanding loyalty or subservience.

True unity is both sweet and powerful.

True unity can take time,

Verse 13 links unity with the character of Christ; the ultimate goal of gifted men and women serving amongst us.

Verse 13 refers to ‘knowledge;’ verse 15 to ‘truth.’ We do not diminish truth; we do not seek a lowest common denominator; we find the truth in Christ; we are no longer buffeted by false doctrines; we enjoy clarity nor confusion.

And, in v16, we all play our part – the whole body is involved and each part does its share.

And, as diversity increases, we will need to work harder at unity. And that is a good thing!

“Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” (Rev 22.11)
Have you ever met someone after a gap of many years? Have they changed?
There is something in the human nature which resists change. Whatever our circumstances we tend not to change. We remain recognisable in character as well as appearance (allowing for a few grey hairs!). Even during challenging times, the selfish remain selfish; the caring remain caring. Some remain hard-hearted, unchanged. The sins of their youth remain the sins of their old age.
But the scriptures speak of the miracle of new birth. God can change a heart of stone to a heart of flesh. The “blasphemer, persecutor, and violent” (Paul’s self-description in 1 Tim 1.13) became a powerful preacher of the gospel, the power of God.
Some stay unholy. Some are wonderfully changed!