Focal Passage: Ephesians 4:1-10
Christians can divide over silly things sometimes. Other times we split over serious issues. Yet, the Scripture calls us to unite on the most important issue: the gospel.
Paul writes, “There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call – one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
One of the markers of the gospel at work among God’s people is that we have supernatural unity that transcends culture, politics, ethnicity, socio-economic status and more. Most of our divisions along these lines arise because of arrogance and pride. That is why the Apostle Paul tells us that to walk worthy of the gospel is to live a life of humility (Ephesians 4:1-3).
To walk worthy of the gospel is to have a life marked by the fruit of the gospel, which is unity in and because of the gospel.
Does Christian unity, because of the gospel, mark your life? Do you live, regardless of your differences, with other Christians as if you truly share the “one Lord?” Do you act as if those with whom you disagree with on non-essential issues actually share in the “one faith” or do you treat them as if they are spiritually inferior? Because of the gospel, all believers share the same Father, according to Paul. That means we are one family. Families don’t always get along, but they always love each other.
Even in families with strained relationships, usually there is a time of the year when the family gets together to celebrate a holiday around a meal. In those moments, you are reminded that even though you don’t always get along with your family, you love them.
Every time the church gathers, it is a holiday (holy day), and we ought to celebrate around a meal (the Lord’s Supper).
This should remind us of our love for one another because of Christ’s love for us. And our love for our brothers and sisters must be demonstrated in Christian unity.