Walk In Unity

Ephesians 4:1-3 “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

I am reminded of the time when Jesus explained to His accusers that a kingdom or a house divided cannot stand. (See Mk 3 or Lk 11) In that light, I’m sure most of us have heard the old adage “divide and conquer!” In today’s world the process may change as far as exterior image is concerned, but the strategy of divide and conquer is still at large. The world has recently witnessed this strategy at work in politics and media especially. But, as much as I hate to say it, the enemy’s scheme has been subtly operational in the church as well. The Lord’s wisdom has always been at work through the knowledge and declaration of His word and truth. Christ was consistent in His message that in being one with Him, His Father, and each other we will flourish in fruitfulness!

Now let’s look at this from the Lord’s perspective. His way of doing things is not always the same as the ways those who do not Know Him. Until, of course, we learn of His ways and then how to surrender our ways to His! His way has always proven superior in wisdom and in how to release the blessing which comes with no sorrow. I am so glad the Bible teaches us that the redeemed and renewed mind, which is the mind of Christ, can be ours. (see 1 Cor 2:16 & Rom 12:1-3) This is the key to a unified church. The unified church is not necessarily the one that has leaned to compromise with those who disagree. It is the church that has “put on” the mind of Christ. Christ is the head, we are the body! This is where a unified church will come from, and a unified church will change the world into a blessed and healthy place!

Colossians 3 charges us to “seek those things that are above and to set our minds on things above” where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God.  Paul, in our opening text pleads with the church “I… beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” He urges us to endeavor or “work hard” at keeping the unity of the Spirit. We as God’s people can position ourselves to set our wills towards discovering God’s will and purpose for our world. We can come together as His people in His Spirit, and in His word! That will be the church God raises up His banner through and changes the world. (Isa 59:19)

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing— Life forevermore. ~ Psalm 133:1-3