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Angela DeRose Cosmin Ritivoiu English Composition 27 March 2014 Divided We Stand? Today Adventism is divided. Liberals and conservatives both think they are right. How can a divided church like this fulfill Christs Great Commission to the world? Thus, the need for unity is obvious. But how is the church to be united when there is this great divide? Priesthood of believer principles is the solution. Priesthood of believer principles includes putting the best possible construction on others motives, and respectfully listening to other points of view. In order for priesthood of believer principles to function properly, you also must understand the nature of truth. Truth, by its very nature, has two poles. When we focus on one pole of truth to the exclusion of the other pole we become imbalanced. For instance, if we focus just on the law, we lose sight of the mercy and grace of Jesus. We become legalistic. However, if we focus just on grace we are in danger of lightly regarding Christs teachings. Thus, we need both poles of truthlaw and grace-to really have the whole truth. It is essential that both sides in the church come together and embrace both poles of truth that the church may be united. When we come together to embrace both poles of truth, it is vital that we come to each other in the right spirit. We must treat each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. When analyzing the part-truths on either side, we must choose to look graciously on our brethren and their view. We must not think that they are evil or not following the counsel of God. We must put the best possible construction upon their motives and actions.

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Furthermore, besides placing the best possible construction on others motives, it is vital that we respectively listen to their views. We must remember that no one is totally balanced and that is it only by embracing both poles of truth that we can truly arrive at the whole truth. We must come together in love and unite both poles of truth that the church may be united in Jesus Christ. By following the golden rule and coming together humbly to learn from each other and from the Ultimate Teacher, we will be able to unite both poles of truth. We will become united in the truth. We will be strengthened to carry the gospel to the entire world. United we will stand.