“along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” [2 timothy 2:22b]
unity in the church is not just a pragmatic desire of the LORD so his family can be more efficient. rather, unity reveals the glory of our God and his gospel in beautiful and powerful ways.
“i in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” – Jesus [john 17:23]
i appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. … is Christ divided? [1 corinthians 1:10,13]
make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. for there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all. [ephesians 3:4-6]
unity reveals the oneness of our glorious God who is three in one – Father, Son, and Spirit! unity reveals the oneness we truly have in him as part of his body, Christ being the head. unity reveals the miraculous power of our God to bring broken people together as one. people who have little in common and otherwise might be at odds are united in love under the banner of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
truth #1: as his sons and daughters, we are united in Christ. this is a gift Christ has given us through his life, death, and resurrection.
truth #2: we must be ever vigilant to protect and display the unity we have been given.
today, allow God to open your eyes to the war that is being raged against the unity of his church. and today, let’s join in the battle to protect and display the unity we have been given by the precious and powerful blood of Christ. how?
- let’s pray today for God to protect and grow the unity of his church. where do we begin? use the three passages above and pray through these verses for the church across the world, the church in america, the church in our community, and then for matthias’ lot church. this is not a light task in the war. bear down. plead. because it is God’s will to protect and grow the unity of his church, he can and will do this.
- act on this unity. the unity of God reveals the glory of God. so let’s display this unity in our actions today. how?
reconciliation. do you need to be reconciled with another in the body? do you need to ask forgiveness for one you have hurt? do you need to receive forgiveness being offered. reconciliation displays the unity of his body.
care and connection. reach out to another brother or sister. let them know you are praying for them today and pray for them. ask them how you can join them in prayer. our care and connection displays the unity of his body.
there are countless other ways to display the unity we have been given. as you sit in the presence of God today and pray for the unity of the body, ask God to give you tangible ways he can display the unity of his church through you. remember, this is his work. this is his church. this is his glory on display. and, he has chosen you and I, his church, to display his glory! what an amazing privilege! what an amazing God!
to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. amen. [ephesians 3:21]
~ john ryan