There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. – Galatians 3:28

E Pluribus Unum. That proclamation, Latin for “out of many, one,” appears on the Great Seal of the United States. An Act of Congress in 1782 approved its inclusion on the seal. However, the phrase is not the United States’ motto. ”In God We Trust“ was adopted by Congress in 1956. Interestingly, the thirteen letters of E Pluribus Unum are symbolic of the thirteen original states, as are the thirteen stripes on the American flag. 

The United States is populated by people of every race, color, creed, and political persuasion. However, among the many citizens, unity has become elusive. Society has increased the focus on race, national origin, religious viewpoint, and politics to the point it may be a challenge to set those categories aside and simply care for the person in front of you. Not only has harmony among the citizenry been undermined, there has also been a breakdown of the family and divisions within the church.

There is only one solution to the current social trend. There is one place where true unity can be found. From the beginning, it was God’s desire that His people view one another as He made them… as those who bear His image. When sin entered in, division of every sort began between humankind. When Christ died, He shed His blood for every person, regardless of pigmentation, language, social status, gender, educational level, or any other human-made differentiation. Echoed in today’s verse, the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 10:12, “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.” It is time for believers to humbly seek the Lord to overcome the barriers that have been erected, which will set an example for the nation and the world. When the family of the Lord is unified, God is glorified. 

Pray for a new understanding of what “out of many, one” means in the United States… among those serving in public office and citizens across the country. Intercede for U.S. voters as they prepare to cast midterm ballots, for candidates to accurately portray themselves and their platforms, and for election officials to administer the voting process with integrity and transparency, so the outcome may support harmony in government.