God's Work is to Unify and Grow Us

Photo by Derek Baird

Scripture: Ephesians 4:13

until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.

Insights: The reason we have been equipped to work is so we, as the body of Christ, might become unified in faith.  In other words, we walk toward glory with the same unified purpose.  If we are walking in this fashion we will be better equipped to impact this world for the Lord.  The key to our unity, however, is the relational dynamic we have in the Lord Jesus.  Notice in the verse we are to attain the knowledge of the Son, and as a result, become mature people.  This attainment is because we have grown in our relationship with Jesus.  So, the argumentation goes like this:  We grow in our relationship with Jesus and because we know Him better we start to act and think like Him more.  As we act and think like Him more, the more we see the world as He sees the world.  Our perceptions change and we become more compassionate and loving.  With this increased compassion and love we are able to be more capable of relinquishing our own personal desires.  With this letting go of personal gains we are able to work with others better and this better cooperation leads to unity.  Beloved, let me challenge you to humble yourself before the Lord and let Him draw on your heart.  Let Him do a transforming work in your life and bring us to complete unity as the body of Christ.  May such a life change bring the Lord glory and honor.  Let us praise His name in unity and love.  Let us know Him even better.

Questions:

1. Would you consider yourself to be in unity with the vision of your church?

2. Are you growing in your relationship with the Lord and are you trusting Him more each day?

Prayer: Father, too often I find myself working against unity and in rebellion to You.  Soften my heart and heal my transgressions.  Mold and make me into a true son/daughter of the King and may Your reign be fully unified on earth as it is in heaven.  Amen.

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