Day 37: Unity in Diversity Through the Spirit of God
1 Corinthians 12:13
Jesus prayed for it. The writers of the New Testament expressed the need for it. But this idea of developing unity is a lot harder than it seems. In many cultures, people cling to the idea of unity that includes self-preservation and independence in all relationships. We say we want unity, but do we understand what Jesus had in mind when He was praying for unity for His followers?
In John 17, Jesus gave the example of His relationship with the Father. In the Trinity, love, interdependence, and trust is perfected. Operating in the kind of unity demonstrated by the Trinity is easier said than done when we are placed in relationships where God has strategically surrounded us with people who look, think, act, and believe differently.
In any ecosystem, the greater the diversity, the greater the stability. This is why Paul describes the Church in 1 Corinthians 12 with a body illustration. There is great diversity in appearance, role, and function in our physical bodies, yet purpose and even life depends on the unity of those diverse parts.
The question is, how can significant diversity operate with increased unity? If the Holy Spirit doesn’t shape us to look like the Son and His approach to relationships, we’re lost. The kind of intimacy found in the Trinity is not produced without a continual increase in sacrifice, selflessness, vulnerability, and trust. If these are absent in our relationships, we will not experience the beauty of unity within our diversity.
Reflection Prayer
Father, forgive me for the times when competition and comparison have defined my relationships with those who were “different” than me or who held a conflicting perspective. Pride creeps in, and I feel the need to be right. I desire to experience the kind of unity and intimacy that You desire for me; the kind that is found in the Trinity. I don’t know how to get there. Please do the deep work that produces a humility that allows me the freedom to be who You created me to be, and yet authentic and submissive in all my relationships. Amen.
Week 6: Christ and His Church
Acts 1:8
As we focus on the life of Christ, this week’s theme is Christ and His Church. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus stated, “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The Church represents the collective Body of Believers unified by His love and empowered by His Spirit to witness for Him and execute the mission entrusted to us by Jesus. Recognizing the significance of this unity, adversaries attempt to undermine the mission through deception and conflict. Jesus calls for strength, courage, and unity to overcome these challenges. He has established a clear purpose for His Church, inviting believers to be the salt and light of the earth. It is essential that our actions shine before others, so they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. Let us persist in collaborating with our King as He builds His Church.
Reflection Questions
How are you serving in your local church, and where might God be calling you next?
Have you invited your neighbors to church before?
How do you plan to pray for your church this week?