What if unity isn’t something we create, but rather it’s something we enter into?
In polarizing times like these, honest Jesus-followers who want to live in unity as Jesus desired must ask questions like these.
Ephesians 4:3-4
“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.”
Keep; Not Create.
The very word “keep” implies unity already exists – that unity is not something Jesus’ followers are to obtain, but rather it is already inherent to our salvation. If this is the case, perhaps unity is something we yield to rather than strive to create.
If unity can be ours, through Jesus, what kind of unity are we talking about?
The unity of the Spirit.
Are we looking for man-made agreement, conformity to the likeness of men, or the unity of the Spirit? The scripture makes it clear. The unity Jesus desires for His church is not within the realm of human capability to create. Rather, it is a unity that exists in God himself, and it is available for all who are born again through His Spirit.
Since this is true, perhaps unity begins with agreeing with and yielding to the commonalities we have with every follower of Christ.
Two Reasons why, in Christ, we are already Unified:
There is one body and one faith.
There are not many faiths, but one faith in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus by which we were saved. We were all saved into one body – not many. And Jesus is coming back for one bride, not a whole company of women.
Whether we live like it or not, from heaven’s perspective, we are already one body, united by one faith.One Spirit. One Lord. One God and Father of All.
Jesus’ dying prayer was this, “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.”
God is One – Unified. It’s who He is (Deuteronomy 6:4). His Unity is perfectly reflected in the union of the Trinity. According to Genesis 1, it’s what we were created in. And according to Jesus’ prayer, it’s what we were redeemed for.
“just are you are in me, and I am in you.”
And that’s the paradigm shift. Unity isn’t just a good thing to add to our faith, it is who our God is and a central expression of our faith.
What then is required? Make Every Effort.
Back to the original question: Is unity something I am responsible for? Or is it a work of the Spirit? The answer is yes and yes.
God wants His people to recognize the unity He has brought us into by yielding and agreeing with it. At the same time, Paul charges us to also “make effort” to keep it.
What then are practical ways this week we might make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit?
Reconcile & Forgive.
Within CitySalt, former church members, the Church Lane County, and our own families who might we need to reconcile with and forgive?Love, Honor & Know.
You can’t really love without knowing. Who might we intentionally reach out to who expresses their faith in Jesus differently than you? How might you hold them in honor in your heart and speech?Join in Unity in Faith & Prayer.
Every Jesus-following church in Lane County is called to contend “as one man for the Gospel” in our community, and pray to the Lord for its peace. Every month, when we pray with the One Church – One Day Community Prayer Guide, we’re agreeing with 52 other churches in prayer. Next time you pray, let your faith be encouraged, knowing your very act of prayer for our community is an act of unity.Expect Him to Reveal Himself to the lost through our unity: Practically, Overflow Hope!
Jesus promised the world around us would believe when they saw His followers act like we’re one. Check out onehopenetwork.org/overflow-hope for practical ways to join in unity by Speaking the Good News to our whole community. YOU can partner with hundreds of Jesus-followers by watching and sharing weekly testimony videos from local people on social media!
May we embrace the reality of our unity in God and with His body.
May the division of our day seem less insurmountable, and may keeping the unity of Spirit get that much more paramount.
May the world see Jesus because we are one.
And may we be deeply satisfied, because our unity pleases our Father and fulfills the desire of our Savior (Psalm 133 & John 17).
About the Author
Kaylee is One Hope Communications Director She was born and raised in the Eugene area. She’s served with One Hope for more than 7 years, and has a love for the church, the Lane County community, and a great expectation of what God can do through unified prayer!