I was wondering today what would happen if for one day Presbyterians and Charismatics switched rolls in the church? It would be an interesting experiment for a Disney film. The overly analytical, study writing Presbyterians became the shouting, singing, hand waving and tongue speaking Charismatics. Our emotions would be on our sleeves and we would be able to dance in praise to God like David. Wouldn’t that be wonderful to break free and say a hearty hallelujah?

Then there are the Charismatics. They could sit and do an intense depth study of scripture and its historical/cultural contexts. They would study the most current biblical scholarship and their pastors would preach like college professors. Most of all their services would end right on time. Not a minute too soon or too late. They could be like Solomon deciding wisely whose child the two women in front of him were fighting over.

Unity. What can it mean when our expressions are so diverse in our love and praise of Jesus Christ? I am convinced that there is a reason that diversity has persisted from the foundation of the earliest church to our current incarnation. Yet, I yearn for the day that Presbyterians dance like David and Charismatics are as analytical as Solomon. That is my goal today. I want to be uninhibited in my praise of God and wise as a serpent when an accounting of faith is called for. All I know is that I often fall way too short on either account.