
A House United: Embracing Our Shared Mission
In a world where division seems to reign, we are reminded that a house divided cannot stand. The Christian faith, vibrant and transformative, has unfortunately splintered into thousands of denominations. This fragmentation not only saddens the Holy Spirit but also distances us from the profound power that unity can bring. God yearns for a united people, working hand in hand towards a common mission.
Our mission is not complex; it is beautifully simple: to introduce everyone to Christ. We are called to share His love and grace, not to engage in endless debates over which doctrines hold more weight. It is time to shift our focus from critiquing one another to uplifting one another in faith.
As we navigate the digital age, it is all too easy to find ourselves caught in a cycle of judgment—scrolling through videos that label others as false prophets or criticize their approach to worship. Yet, in this pursuit of truth, we must remember that our ultimate goal is to invite others into the embrace of Christ's love.
Let us rise above division and embrace the strength that comes from unity. Together, we can create a vibrant community that reflects the heart of Christ. Instead of building walls, let us build bridges, drawing others into a relationship with Him. In unity, we find strength; in love, we find purpose. Let us stand together, united in our mission to share the hope of Jesus with the world.
I appreciate how Francis Chan expresses it in his book "Until Unity." He illustrates his family entering an orphanage while arguing, searching for the next child to adopt. No child would want to join a family that is in conflict. In Acts 2, we witness an example of a united church, so bonded in love that people desire to be part of that family. However, today, people are distancing themselves from it, which saddens the heart of God.
Listen to the words of Jesus:
John 17
20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—23I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
He prayed for this. For us to be one! For there to be oneness.
I am part of what is commonly known as a "blended family". My two children and I joined my husband and his daughter to form one family. Sometimes, our kids frustrate us, but when my husband's daughter upsets me, I don't shut her out, ignore her, avoid her, or speak negatively about her. I think of her father, whom I deeply love, and I strive to repair our relationship because she is important to her father. By overcoming the challenges of blended families, we have reached a place of unity. Our conflicts, handled with love, have brought us closer together. The same applies to my husband. While the world may label us as blended, we are united as a family.
We can certainly apply this approach to our church family. It's essential to remember that every individual, including those we find challenging, is a beloved creation of our heavenly Father.
Steps to Foster Understanding and Repair Relationships
Reflect on God's Love: Take a moment to meditate on the unconditional love that God has for each of us. This love can inspire us to extend grace to those who may test our patience.
Empathy and Understanding: Consider the struggles and challenges that the other person may be facing. By putting ourselves in their shoes, we can cultivate compassion.
Open Communication: Reach out to the person with a heart willing to listen. Honest and loving conversations can pave the way for healing and understanding.
Prioritize Unity: Remember that our bond as a church family is rooted in Christ. Strive to prioritize unity over discord, reflecting God's heart in our interactions.
Pray Together: Engage in prayer for one another. Seeking God’s guidance can transform our hearts and help us see each other through His eyes.
By prioritizing God's heart and actively working to repair relationships, we can foster a church family that embodies love, grace, and unity. Together, let's embrace the challenge and grow closer as we reflect the light of Christ in our community.
Unity is crucial! The enemy feels threatened by it because a unified approach is where the power of the Holy Spirit flows. This is why the enemy strives to keep us "offended" by anything and everything. As long as you focus on yourself, you'll lose sight of the mission.
Understand that the enemy is no longer hiding. He is prominently present in media and infiltrating our homes, schools, and government. This is not the time to quarrel with your fellow soldiers in the faith. There is a battle for the souls of your family. Your focus should be so intense on this that you aren't easily offended by trivial matters.
Begin small, start at home. Begin with your family, then your church, then your city, then your state, and watch Acts 2 unfold before your eyes. It begins with us!
Join me in 2025 to walk in Unity with Christ and with God's children.
I had the privilege of brining the message on the last Sunday of 2024. Happy New Year!
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