UNITY.
How do I get it? Why do we want it? Do we even want it? Please, stop asking me questions.
Ha.
Here is my first blog. It is about unity. Because I believe that God wants it. And in a world where there is endless amounts of division, there is one answer and it is Jesus. And that is not a bandaid-sunday school response; that is the real, raw, messy truth. It is only through Jesus that we can truly be unified.
Unity is this: “the state of being united or joined as a whole.”
And scripture says this : “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 UNITY OF THE SPIRIT in the bond of peace” Ephesians 4:1-4.
God is not calling us to all agree with one another. This is not a call to water down the truth and make it more “acceptable” to people. This is a call to walk in humility and not let your opinions get in the way of loving your neighbor as you boldly proclaim the gospel. Sometimes as christians we say we want unity, yet we grieve the Holy Spirit of God (Ephesians 4:30) and hold buckets of bitterness towards our brothers and sisters. We say we want unity, but we gossip about how we don’t like so and so’s decisions. We say we want unity, but we shame someone who says they are homosexual. We say we want unity, but we justify our sin and refuse to be held accountable.
The Lord’s highest calling for our lives is that we be one with him; not that we try to manage people’s sin. Ugh, the conviction I feel for how I have sown seeds of discord feels like it’s piercing my gut. Whether unintentional or not, I have created disunity.
The Lord is so kind. And it is his kindness that leads us to repentance. (Romans 2:4)
May we be people who repent, and extend Jesus’ kindness towards others that they might do the same. And may our words give “grace to those who hear them” (Ephesians 4:29)
I have a slight obsession with Ephesians lately.
Thank you for reading these words.
I am thankful for the grace to know God. And I am thankful for you as well, truly.
Peace and Joy,
Julia
P.S. Here is a shorty-mc-shorterson podcast from my church about the book of Ephesians & unity. It got me so fired up because I love God and I love the gospel and I love the pastors of my church too. Feel free to listen 🙂
