I read a great passage on unity this morning, found in Romans 15:5 - 7. Several things are stated clearly that are of great help to all of us. We need this encouragement because most of us when reacting naturally, can find plenty of things to divide us from other Christians. These include worship music and minor doctrinal differences. However there are an abundance of other issues that are really a matter of not being appreciated, or of differing taste, or personality: or minor offences received - or supposed offence.
Paul challenges his readers to have "a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus." Are you a follower of Jesus? Well I am too. That means we are united in our direction, purpose, eternal home and commitment. That should unite my spirit with yours, if I am at all controlled by the Spirit.
If we are united then we can "with one heart and mouth --- glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." This is our high calling. We are to worship in spirit and in truth together - and as we do we bring glory to our God and Father.
If I am dominated by a critical or jealous or other sinful attitude that divides me from you or others, I am detracting from the glory that our Father in Heaven deserves. I don't want to do that - in fact I often pray "your Kingdom come your will be done". Only in unity with other followers of Jesus can I help this happen.
So I plan to keep forgiving others, refusing to take offence, being thankful instead of critical, etc. I hope you are with me in that - and together we will glorify God with one heart - even if this mouth is far away from wherever you and your mouth are today. :)
Paul challenges his readers to have "a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus." Are you a follower of Jesus? Well I am too. That means we are united in our direction, purpose, eternal home and commitment. That should unite my spirit with yours, if I am at all controlled by the Spirit.
If we are united then we can "with one heart and mouth --- glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." This is our high calling. We are to worship in spirit and in truth together - and as we do we bring glory to our God and Father.
If I am dominated by a critical or jealous or other sinful attitude that divides me from you or others, I am detracting from the glory that our Father in Heaven deserves. I don't want to do that - in fact I often pray "your Kingdom come your will be done". Only in unity with other followers of Jesus can I help this happen.
So I plan to keep forgiving others, refusing to take offence, being thankful instead of critical, etc. I hope you are with me in that - and together we will glorify God with one heart - even if this mouth is far away from wherever you and your mouth are today. :)
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