one

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Ephesians 4:4-6

I write this grieving over what now is. In over thirty years of ministry leadership, I’ve never seen Christ’s church more divided than this contentious year of 2020. Our culture already fights over so many things. It is expected that those without Christ would be that way. But the church is designed to be a place of joyous, worshipful unity! Oh how we need to be reminded that NOTHING in this world defines us. We are to be exclusively and beautifully ONE in Jesus. We are divided and disobedient when we let medical masks, health guidelines, racial injustices, political opinions, and outspoken social media commentary and preferences pull our attention and worship away from Jesus! C’mon Christians! We are called to be much better than this! And I include myself in that plea.

Look at the unity in these three verses that should always be a part of who we are all the time: 1) One Spirit of God indwelling us. 2) One body of Christ, the church. 3) One hope of an abundant and eternal life. 4) One Lord — our Savior Jesus Christ. 5) One faith — the gospel and sound doctrine. 6) One baptism that unites use in Christ as His Church. 7) One God — the Father of us all.

Oh that we would center our actions and our conversations around Christian unity like this again and repent of our sinful, selfish, ugly divisions! Oh Jesus, hold this prayer in my heart and give me grace to love Your Church like You do!