I don’t know about you, but each year, when the national anthem is played and thousands rise up to say the pledge together at the National Day Parade, I can’t help but feel a stirring sense of patriotism.

For those few moments, it seems, all differences are forgotten as Singaporeans become one—one united people, bonded by a common citizenship and a common purpose to build our nation. For those few moments—I hope—political divisions and the many differences in opinion on how this country should progress are put aside, as we celebrate our nation’s birthday.

How fitting then, that this year’s NDP theme is “Onward as One”.

I can’t help but wonder, however: How far can this fuzzy feeling of unity go beyond August 9? How long can we hang on to this sense of shared purpose and goal, so that we can remember that all of us really are fighting “on the same side”, even though we may have different ideas of how the battle should be fought?

In recent months, with the news on Singapore politics, I believe this lofty goal has become even more challenging. Politics and opinions are inevitably divisive, and it’s hard to put these divisions aside or paper over them when the issues being debated are inextricably linked to questions of morals, convictions, and beliefs.

Would this, I am tempted to ask, also be true about unity within the Christian community?

No doubt we have different church practices and ways of worship, different doctrines and biblical interpretations, as well as different ideas and opinions on how our local church and ministries should be managed.

Differences are surely not wrong. In fact, they can make a church stronger. Diverse views and approaches to problems can nurture creativity in problem-solving, while preventing groupthink or over-conformity. Questions and arguments over interpretations of the Bible can test our understanding of God’s Word, and force us to constantly review and re-evaluate what we believe.

But it is sad when these differences lead to deep and angry divisions within churches. It is equally sad to see brothers- and sisters-in-Christ quarrelling, churches splitting, and irreconcilable prejudices being held by one denomination against another.

It makes me wonder: Can we stay united as fellow members of God’s family, even when we differ on issues close to our heart? Despite our differences, can we remember that we have a common beginning, purpose, and goal in our Christian faith? That we believe in the same God, are saved by the same Messiah, and are all waiting for His return?

I believe we can—someday.

I believe it is actually possible to put aside our differences and to worship our God as one united body, saved and loved by one Christ, held together by one Spirit.

I believe we can overcome our differences—not just in matters of theology and doctrine, but also in practical matters, such as when working together on church projects, or operating in a church ministry or a small group.

I believe we can heed the repeated calls by Paul for unity in the church:

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” (1 Corinthians 1:10)

“Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” (Philippians 2:2)

While we may agree to disagree on many matters, we can surely continue to stand together and not let these differences divide us and lead to resentment, anger, or hatred.

Perhaps I’m being overly optimistic, given our very flawed human nature, and our tendency to lack patience and tolerance for those who differ from us. But if the nation of Singapore can come together and celebrate as one body for one day a year—I’m sure the church of Christ can do it, too.

It’s all the more apt, then, that the theme song of this year’s National Day Parade is called “Shine Your Light”.

May we shine Jesus’ light in our own lives, and in those of others by pursuing unity in the body of Christ. May we remember Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:1–6, which not only details how we can build unity, but why we should do it:

“Live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”