One Body Unified Under Christ
Posted on August 3, 2015 by Graeme Wilson in Victory Call
“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you[a] all.” Ephesians 1:1
There is little talk about unity these days. Actually, the opposite is true. There are more divisions today and in the recent past then I have ever remembered. In the midst of the news reports one message is not getting out- love one another! In Acts 11 the church in Jerusalem needed to open the door to the Gentiles. Things were a bit tough when both Jews and Gentiles needed to understand each other’s culture, nationality, and traditions. They also needed to understand their unity in Jesus Christ. Each one needed to extend acceptance. Each one needed to learn to understand and encourage one another. Each one needed to learn to work with the other. This is what glorifies Christ.
Over the last few years I have attended a multi-cultural church. Sometimes worship is not what I am used to. Sometimes the foods that line the table at a fellowship I have never had before. Every now and then I miss a word but strive to understand. I know this for sure… I have also not felt this much love in a church in a long time. While talking to a friend on this subject she mentioned that “the church is the last segregated place”. Why do we see Korean, Asian and Black American churches lining the streets? Why? How completely sad and wrong that we do not worship as the one Body to which we belong.
So, my thought for today is to encourage you to not let the news headlines get to you. Don’t allow your heart to be filled with division but with unity. Let’s pray for the wrongs done in society and that unity will prevail. Let’s bring healing where there are wounds. Let’s strive to be the hands and feet of Christ right here in our own country. How can you and I be part of the solution? Simple, let’s get to know one another, share with one another and love one another in Jesus’ name!
Blessings,
Kathy
Kathy Withers is on staff at America’s Keswick and serves in Partner Care. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 30 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local Church and teaches a Bible Study for women. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.