Unity in Christ
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.
1 Corinthians 1:10
The Bible contains many verses that express the importance of unity among the people in God’s family. Christ is the head of the church, and the church is considered to be the body of Christ. Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. (1 Corinthians 12:27) We strive for perfect unity in Christ by conforming to his truth. If there is not unity then there exists the strong possibility of division, which can impact the Lord’s blessings for the Church.
What causes divisions among God’s s people? People in their worldly nature become their own god by adding to the Word or twisting the Word to make it agree with own desires. I have seen Churches split over things that are really non essential. I have also seen churches divide because of false doctrine, and if the church refuses to follow the truth, then a division may be necessary or a change leadership.
The goal of everyone in the Church is to have a heart that promotes unity, and the church leaders strive to follow Christ and his Word. The people in the church are responsible for holding the leaders accountable, and the primary responsibility of the leaders is to serve the people. The Word commands us to promote unity therefore it must be a sin if we do not have a heart that seeks unity.
Unity is achieved by the love God puts into our hearts. If we are centered on Christ and his word, united in love, then the power of God’s love can be seen in the church. The church is a light for Christ and a witness to the world. The more unified we are in Christ, focused on being disciples, the better equipped we are to reveal the Lord’s love to the world. The Holy Spirit works through a unified church to give each of us the courage, strength, and wisdom, to minister to others as we see them through the eyes and heart of our Lord. The church is God’s people, the body of Christ, which means our life reflects Christ.
Today in your mind promote unity among God’s people and seek to see people as the Lord sees people. Know that whoever the Lord puts in your path today, the Lord expects you to be guided by the Holy Spirit to reflect Christ to that person. Reap the blessing of being a light for Christ.
Prayer: Lord, help me to see others as you see them. Guide me in the Spirit to reflect Christ and to live this day with peace and joy. Help me to have a heart that seeks unity and the wisdom and love to promote unity. In Jesus name, Amen