Eph 4:3-6 (NIV) Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit— just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
NOTE: Why is it that Christians, who share the same Holy Spirit, and are part of one universal body, should have to be reminded to pursue unity? Why isn't unity a natural response to being a believer in Christ? What is it about our nature, I assume the flesh, that even when we are new creations, must be reminded to pursue unity? One of the key characteristics of a disciple is "love for each other" and yet, we still struggle with unity. Paul offers good reasons why unity is essential, and probably expected -- one body, one spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all. But somehow, we have to be reminded to pursue peace and unity. One could argue that the church is an odd mixture of different beliefs and practices, with little obvious unity. Some of these churches are "so-called" churches because they do not represent true believers. But others are true believers. Do we allow our convictions of truth to influence our acceptance of others in areas that are grey? Do we refuse to acknowledge the grey areas? Do we, in our pride, believe that no one else can understand God as we understand God? I don't have answers to these questions, but I do recognize the subtle influences of sin which cause divisions. Lord, protect me from those attitudes.
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