Read:
Matt 5:21-44
“Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the
Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” - Ephesians 4:3
Rather than
to live as the worldly culture arounds us encourages us to do, God calls us to
live holy lives. He is holy and expects
holiness from His Bride (Psalm 51:2). We are neither to be conformed to this world (Romans
12:1-2), nor to our former carnal lusts and desires. True freedom comes to us
as we first submit to God’s will for our life, and then as we consider one
another’s needs and meet them (Hebrews 10:24;
Philippians 2:3).
Relationships often end
because misunderstanding causes a parting of the ways. Conventional wisdom says
the mature, sensible, persuasive one is expected to bring the walls of division
down. Often, however, it is the offended party that must tear the walls down
from inside their soul first, and then deal with the barriers between them and
the one who offended them.
Another problem arises when
we raise walls between God and our self. He reaches out to touch us with His
gentle love, but we resist and run from His advances. We do not see how wonderfully kind, tolerant and patient God is with us. We act as if
He means nothing to us or that He intends to harm us. We cannot see that his
kindness is intended to turn us from our sins and to restore our relatioship
with Him (Romans 2:4). Jesus broke down the walls of partition between God
and mankind (Ephesians 2:14),
giving us an example to follow.
Little do we realize the
dynamic power resident in our living Lord (Colossians 2:9). The Old Testament is full of incidences where He
proved His righteous power to mankind. Yet, He is also a gentle lover, who woos
us with a still, small voice rather than a raging storm, a rumbling earthquake
or a fiery tempest (1 Kings 19:11-12). He gave us the example of the prodigal son’s father who waited daily in
anticipation of His son, and then ran to meet him when he returned home (Luke
15:20). Our Father God is also waiting
for us with open arms.
It would be so idyllic if
everyone could dwell together in unity, especially those who live in the
household of God (Psalm 133:1). How
peaceful life would be, if everyone would be of like mind, and there would be
no division or arguments. However, a perfect joining in the same mind and in
the same judgment can only come through surrendering to the Lordship of Jesus
Christ and being led by His Spirit moment by moment throughout our life (1
Corinthians 1:10).
The Unity of the Body of
Christ is created through our union with Christ living in us (2
Corinthians 1:21). This unity in the
Spirit stands out in contrast to the attitude of independence and individuality
so prevalent in our culture today. The Spirit brings each individual Christian
into the unity of the Spirit and into one Body of Christ. We have fellowship in
His Spirit and affection and compassion for one another, having the same mind
and maintaining the same love for God and each other, united in spirit and
intent on furthering His Kingdom on the earth (Philippians 2:1-2).
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, it is truly
pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity (Psalm 133:1). Help us to live in like-mindedness toward one
another according to the mind of Christ and to dwell with one mind and one
mouth glorifying You. Show us when we build walls of sin that distance us from
Your presence and from one another. Help us to break down these walls of
division and to dwell in Your courts forevermore.
Thought for the Day:
There is
one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to
your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is
over all and through all and in all. -
Ephesians 4: 3-6