Being One

Good Morning!! So many Christians and churches are divided today,...but that nothing new. Even the disciples of Jesus Christ, quarreled in the very presence of the Lord,...fighting for position and involving themselves in petty disturbances and foolish irritations. Throughout history, the church of Christ has divided over the most senseless preoccupations. No wonder there is so much confusion in the world among people who don’t know Jesus, when they see how we fight,...and what we fight over. Imagine someone who is seeking truth, browsing through denominations, churches, factions, and sects. It’s a wonder that anyone believes in Jesus at all, with all of this confusion.

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that You have sent me."—John 17: 20-21 (NIV)

How would that person know what to believe? That is why unity is vital for the church of Jesus Christ if it’s going to glorify God, and raise up a generation for Him. Don’t get unity and uniformity confused. There’s a difference between the two. Over the years, some have suggested that we put aside our doctrinal distinction and delude our sacred beliefs for the sake of unity. In other words, let’s just put everyone in one big pot and make them act, look, and believe the same. But this is absolutely NOT what Jesus was praying for us in the above scripture. Jesus knew fully of the various denominations that would arise in the world, and the distinctiveness of His body that would be expressed. And yet He prayed, “Lord, let them be one.” Unity can never be man-made,...and it will always allow for diversity.

Just like when two people marry, and become a blending of personalities, strengths, and weaknesses,...so each member in the body of believers has differences that make him or her unique, and thereby strengthens the church.

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Father God, don’t allow any divisive spirits, and petty, selfish attitudes to divide and dishonor the name of Christ, and His church. Teach us to embrace the differences and uniqueness of each believer created by You. Help us to learn how to come together, as the Body of Christ, to bring glory to Your Holy name, and make a difference in this generation. Amen.

" Be open to God directing,...or redirecting, your steps,...(things change.)"