Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – January 26, 2015
I have given them the glory you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought into complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:22-23
I recently enjoyed coffee with my three sons-in-laws. We meet or talk by phone periodically to process what we are learning about life, marriage and work. These young men are each unique: a priest, a salesman and an entrepreneur. Very different—but very similar. What binds our hearts together is love for God and family. The strength of our conversation is honesty about our weaknesses. As we struggle together—we grow stronger together. We are unified around essentials (faith/character), but flexible around non-essentials (personality/preferences).
Jesus knew His disciples were vulnerable to division. The wedge of worry would attempt to cut off their communication. The fires of adversity would try to wear them down, so in their suffering they might give up supporting each other. Thus, Jesus prayed for their unity. He prayed for a quality of oneness, similar to the relationship He delighted in with His heavenly Father. In the face of persecution a unified church thrives with God’s favor, but a divided church loses its influence. Unified by God’s glory the process of becoming one manifests Christ’s love.
“All the believers were one in heart and mind” (Acts 4:32).
Does division threaten your church, home or work? As husband and wife it is imperative to come together in agreement on what you teach your child. Your unity as parents regarding how you will love and lead your children contributes to a stable and secure home environment. Do not choose sides with your child against your spouse. Moreover, make sure your church makes a difference in your community. Unify around bringing the gospel of Christ to a Christ-less culture. Believers who love one another well contribute to a well Body of Christ—which in turn loves the lost well.
Above all else, we aspire to grow in oneness in our relationship with our heavenly Father through Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. The bond of our soul to our Savior Jesus is what sustains humility in our successes and gives us hope in our sufferings. The glory of God is the motivation and method of our belief and behavior. Our unity with the Lord is what brings us together with others who love the Lord. Christ gives us His glory—grounded in God, so we can be His channel of love that points people to our heavenly Father. Unity brings glory to God!
“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:4, KJV).
Prayer: Heavenly Father unify my spirit around Your Spirit. Bring oneness and glory to Your people.
Related Readings: Psalm 133:1; Ephesians 4:3, 13; Colossians 3:14; 1 John 2:19
Post/Tweet this today: The strength of conversation is honesty about our weaknesses. As we struggle together—we grow stronger together. #unity #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: 3 minute music video, Newsboys: We Believe
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