SCRIPTURE: Ephesians (NIV) 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
OBSERVATION: Paul is writing from prison, but he does not see himself as a prisoner of Rome, but a prisoner of the Lord. His writing is not focused on the Roman prison, but on the body of Christ.
Here he does not tell people that they must create unity, but “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit.” Other translations give “maintain,” endeavoring to keep,” “diligently keeping,” and “eager to maintain.”
Unity is not something we work to create; it comes naturally as we are all working together toward a common goal. People are different and not inclined to unity, but when their country is attacked by another nation, they unify their differences to fight their common enemy. Everyone uses their differences toward the war effort.
Like true joy, unity is a biproduct. They come naturally as we set ourselves to do other things. Serving others brings joy; focusing on Jesus brings unity.
APPLICATION: As Christians we are all called to “one body…one Spirit…one hope…one baptism…one God and Father!” It is as we draw close to Him and focus on Him that we become united! As we focus on His goals and assignments, we become unified. We use our differences to the common goal of bringing glory to Him and making Him known. We begin to appreciate the differences in each other as we see how they can be used to glorify Jesus!
Acknowledging the same Holy Spirit in you as I have in me, gives us unity!
PRAYER: Jesus, YOU are our unity! The closer we get to YOU, the closer we get to one another. The more we see of your ways, the less we see differences that could divide us in Your body. Truly, God, You are one and we are one! AMEN
Pastor Leon
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