Ideals
Unity in Diversity - Unum
All of God’s people are unique, special, and created with a purpose. In that, we can enjoy a diversity of styles, personalities, talents, and convictions while anchored in Yeshua. The balance between individuality and community is important; we need both individuality and community that does not compromise either. God blesses us, speaks to us, and uses us to help others through our natural condition of interdependence with Him and others.
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Romans 12: 3-5
Application
1. Humility is not having an exaggerated opinion of yourself.
2. Use sound judgment, as God has given you faith, measuring yourself by a Biblical standard.
3. We honor all members of the Body of Christ but have different roles.
4. We are many while functioning as if we are one body – members of one another.
Popular Sovereignty - Populum
Yahweh has restored individual sovereignty to His people. This sovereignty is the basis of Regency, a personal responsibility to oneself, God, and others that is recognized and upheld by the spiritual nation. The overlap of scrolls is where the populace joins and shares sovereignty. This Ideal applies to individuals and groups such as families, communities, nations, and civilizations.
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12: 6-8
Application
1. We have different gifts by the Grace of God.
2. We speak and act according to our measure of faith.
3. We minister according to the responsibilities God gives us.
4. We give of ourselves with simplicity.
5. We exercise authority with due diligence as Regents of Christ.
6. We are quick to show mercy and forgive with cheerfulness.
Democratic Equality - Demos
God has made us all free and equal. Through history we have seen prejudice, oppression, exploitation, and selfishness be used to divide and control entire populations. These controls are a paper chain that can break as we receive our birthright. When we get our self-worth from God and view others as equals in God’s eyes, we make sure everyone has equal opportunity and is treated fairly according to one set of just principles that apply to all.
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Romans 12: 9-15
Application
1. Our love must be real, not for any self-gain or ulterior motives.
2. We must equally abhor evil and love what is good, judging by the content of character alone. 3. We must put fellow believers first, seeing them as family.
4. We must be wise and integrous in business, working as unto the Lord.
5. We must give to those in need, giving to the necessity of the saints.
6. We must have a heart of redemption and compassion towards all people.
Rule of Law - Regium
God’s laws are built into the framework of creation. They are redemptive in nature and easy to understand. The rule of law includes two primary aspects. One, God’s order and justice are the basis of all law. Two, God is Love. Therefore, we conclude that laws are made for the good of all, by the consent of all, and carried through the love of all. The enforcement of laws, civil laws, God’s laws, and rules governing personal relationships, both written and unwritten, must be even handed and redemptive.
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12: 16-21 KJV
Application
1. We advocate for the same rules of conduct and behavior for everyone in justice.
2. We employ the commonsense justice of common people in accordance with God’s Word.
3. We must not return evil for evil but do what is just even to the unjust.
4. We seek justice but not vengeance, living at peace with others, knowing that God alone avenges evil.
5. We must have compassion for and on our enemies.
6. We overcome evil by doing what is good, right, just and holy.