What Do You Think About Unity?

 Phil. 2:1-3 – Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

How much time do you spend considering your relationship with Christ and with your brothers and sisters in the church? Too often, it is something we only do when we are in the church building, worshiping, praying, learning. But the power of this verse is that we are to be united with Christ and with each other at all times.

Think about verse one and ask yourself is you truly are encouraged by your unity with Christ. What has Jesus done for you? Is it encouraging? Does it bring joy to your heart? Do you want to encourage others with the love Jesus has given you? 

Does the fact that Jesus is with you always, even to the end of the age, bring you comfort? It is one of the most joyful feelings in the life of a Christian when we know without doubt what the future holds for us. Eternity in the presence of Jesus awaits all of us who believe in the “one the Father has sent.” If you are lacking this comfort, then go to Jesus and, as it says in Matthew 7:7, ask that it will be given to you. Do not let another day go by without seeking the comfort and joy Jesus gives freely.

Paul tells us in these verses that fellowship among believers is based on a “common sharing of the Spirit.” It is the Holy Spirit that unites us as one body. Do you feel that power and that fellowship with the Spirit and with others? It is the same Spirit that helps us to be tender and compassionate towards our brothers and sisters in Christ, and toward the lost who are perishing without Jesus.

Today, as you go through the “routines” of life, consider the power of unity with Christ and His body. When we are truly like-minded, pursuing the same purpose, we can accomplish all that God has planned for us. We need to look at the example these verses give us – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourself.”

God loves each of us so much, and plays no favorites. Neither should we. All of us are created in God’s image, and all of us are created for good works according to His will. When we come together with common goals, we will finish the work He has started.

Prayer

Today, in your prayer time, remember to ask God to give you a heart filled with tenderness, compassion, brotherly love and unity.

What do you think about unity? Tell us in the comments or shoot us an email.

- Pastor Kurt