Unity in the Church

Walking in the Manner in Which You Were Called

As believers in Christ Jesus we are the Church. And as the unity of believers in Christ Jesus, what we see dimly here on earth will be realized more fully when our faith becomes sight. We must look past our own sliver of time to realize that the church here and now is only a small part of the much larger body of Christ in heaven that consists of a vast multitude of peoples from every tongue and nation throughout the ages. 

Therefore, as the Church we must maintain unity as the gathering of the saints on this side of Canaan's shore. For even the best of churches can fall prey to frailties and fractures that characterize life and ministry and worship in a fallen world. Our congregations are often divided. Each one of us must confront our own sinful inclinations, thoughts, and behavior that often stifle our attempts to worship God according to His Word. 

Paul writes to us in Ephesians 4:1-3 to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unit of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Let us no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine (v14). Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, for whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow that it builds itself up in love (vv 15-16). 

Lord, I come to you with a humble heart. May you forgive me when I sin and fall short of your glory. May Your Church stand firm on the doctrine given to us. For You are preparing for the day when You will present the Church to the heavenly Father as a dazzling bride without spot or wrinkle. Until then, may the Lord find us faithful to the charge You have given to us in Your Word. May our worship and prayer as we lift our voice to You be pleasing to You God of my Salvation. It is in Jesus name I pray, amen.