Day 38: The Body of Christ United in Faith
Ephesians 4:4–5
While driving home from work, I got stuck in the usual pocket of stop-and-go traffic. My typical 20-minute drive commute quickly stretched to 40. Through the lens of frustration, I looked at the variety of cars and drivers. How could there be so many humans driving on the same road at the very same time? Each of us headed to our individual homes yet forced to use the same roadway to reach our final destinations.
In an effort to diffuse my own road rage, my eyes wandered to the many different faces I was driving among. Such beautiful diversity! My moment of wonder quickly devolved into frustration as I was cut off by yet another car trying to speed around everyone.
Like congested roads, church can feel crowded with competing personalities and agendas. Everyone is moving toward the same ultimate destination yet struggling to move forward together. God continuously calls for oneness among His Body of believers. The term “one body” should urge us toward unity, but it does not push us into uniformity. The Body of Christ is made up of individuals shaped by cultures and backgrounds who bring different perspectives. Yet what binds us together is far stronger than what separates us: our shared faith in Jesus Christ.
The diversity within the Church is a strength when it is surrendered to Christ. Satan is continuously working to divide us through fear, pride, and misunderstandings. The Church is strongest when we choose grace over grievance and mission over division.
Reflection Prayer
Heavenly Father, protect my heart from division. Soften me where I have held too tightly to my own personal views. Teach me to value others as You do. Help me reflect You in word and action, choose grace over grievance, patience over irritation, and unity over personal comfort. Bring us together as Your Church in faith, mission, service, and love. 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?