Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Colossians 3:15 (NKJV)
Series: Perfected in Unity
Over the past several weeks, we have explored the importance of unity in every place—in our homes, workplaces, churches, as we volunteer, in our friendships, our communities, and even throughout generations. No matter what setting we are in, we cannot escape needing to live in harmony with others.
Unity promotes success, camaraderie, protection, provision, growth, and fulfillment. People who choose to work together in one accord experience great blessings. However, as we have seen, considerable challenges can emerge as we surrender ourselves to promote the greater good.
Sometimes we navigate those challenges in various groups with no conflict. Other times, we struggle with laying down our agenda, methods, or opinions. We may allow bitterness to take root, and we pave the way for a wedge to develop. Left unchecked, division grows. Left unaddressed, destruction follows.
Jesus taught us the result of division in Matthew 12:25 (NKJV):
Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.”
To maintain unity and avoid the spiraling trail from splintered to destroyed relationships, we must heed Paul’s instructions to crucify our flesh—to die to ourselves—and to live for Christ in every place we find ourselves. Paul shared this truth in many of his letters. To the Galatians, he wrote:
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Galatians 5:24 HCSB).
It’s not that we surrender our beliefs, convictions, or standards. However, we need to lay down our pride and selfishness. In humility, we surrender to Christ and approach every relationship with kindness, patience, gentleness, goodness, compassion, and love. After all, each human being is created in the image of God and is precious to Him.
Malachi challenged the people of his day, to unite with God and to unite with one another. In Malachi 2:10 (HCSB), he asks:
Don’t all of us have one Father? Didn’t one God create us? Why then do we act treacherously against one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers?
We are all one in and through the finished work of the cross. Every single person is valuable. And, we are better when we work together. Scripture tells us God plans to unite everything in heaven and on earth through Christ!
He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. (Ephesians 1:9-10 NIV).
Can we lay down our differences and remove hostility toward others? Do we see God in the face of every human being? We can choose to bring the fragrance of Christ and be a vessel of His love in every place. Unity prepares the way for the blessings of God to flow. Let’s stand together, loving one another as Christ loves us—not just being a witness as He brings unity to all things in heaven and on earth, but actively participating in the process.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Maryann
Scripture References: Colossians 3:15; Matthew 12:25; Galatians 5:16-26; 1 Corinthians 15:31; 2 Corinthians 4:8-12; Romans 8:12-14; Malachi 2:10; Ephesians 1:9-10
