The Unity Of The Spirit

…endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Ephesians 4:3

We do not easily achieve or maintain unity.  We often desire and may work diligently for it, yet find that various factors work against it.  Paul writes to encourage the Ephesians in ‘endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.’  Where do we desire unity?  We desire it in our various relationships.  We desire unity in our home, in our work, in our community, and in our world.  Will it ever truly become a reality?  Sadly, it will never come to be within this scene of time under the current regime.  Having said that, where is there true unity, and how does it come to be a practical reality?  When Christ becomes central to our thinking and the subsequent behavior which follows from it, we begin to encounter a unity which is otherwise unobtainable.  The scene in Revelation, where the ‘great multitude’ gathers around the Throne, is one of great unity.  All eyes are upon Christ and all glory goes to Him.  The exaltation of Christ in our lives personally, corporately, communally, and globally is ultimately what will bring the unity that our hearts desire.  As we look to Christ and follow Him together, we will see in our relationships the unity which only looking to Him will bring.

Our Glorious Living Christ,
we rejoice that as the Head of the Church,
You unify Your people who have become Your Body.
We praise You that the day is coming
when God shall answer Your high priestly prayer
and make us all one.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning