Abraham Lincoln quoted Jesus when he decried that “a nation divided against itself cannot stand.” But truly, it was out of the crucible of the Civil War that this nation was physically restored. And in times of national crisis we have also seen the people unite in spirit, casting aside their ideological and petty differences to work together for a cause.
As Christians, we are fond of talking about the importance of unity, but talk alone is insufficient to bring about the singleness of mind and spirit that usurps our differences. When we talk about unity, we often refer to Jesus’ prayer for believers in John 17. Jesus prayed that we might be one as He and the Father are one. Yet we must also consider that Jesus prayed this prayer in the darkest hour of human history—in the hours before humanity’s sin crucified the Son of God. It was in the crucible that Jesus called for our united hearts, minds, souls, and strength. It was out of the fire and through the fire (and marked by tongues of fire) that the Church was born.
So, then, if we are to speak of unity in the body, if we are to pray for unity, we pray for trial, for challenge, for fire. As Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were united with the pre-incarnate Christ in the deadly heat of Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace, I pray that God in Christ Jesus will make us one. For to be one with Christ and His church is better than a life without difficulty.
so true. To deny oneself for the sake of unity is always a struggle but the blessings so outway the cost to self. Less of me and more of Him!!!
When God talks of a person’s heart, it is not about emotions or feelings; it is all about your soul and spirit. Faith is a gift that is only appreciated and strengthened through trust and effort. Effort can take on many forms; struggle, hardship, and hard work. We should not stay at rest, because we will not grow. Like in the eye of a hurricane, there is calm and a sense of peace. There is rest in the calm but our faith is strengthened by the journey of getting the calm. The eye of the hurricane is not the ultimate goal but a resting point provided by God’s grace in preparation of the second half of the storm.
The purpose for our lives is simple – to be loved by God and then in return to love God and bring Him glory. Faith comes from trusting God; great faith comes from trusting God in everything and following His will no matter what the risk or cost. In Romans 10:17 it is said – So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. But in James Chapter 2: 18, 20, 26 it said repeatedly that – faith without works is useless or dead.
So what are we to do? Understand that God is who He says He is and can do all things He said he can do. Listen and be ready to follow God’s will for your life. Then you too can stand like Joshua (Joshua 24:14-15) – then choose today whom you will serve…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Love, Trust, Live, and Serve – that is how to follow God’s will for your life.