The Reality of Unity

Scripture: (Ephesians 4:4 NKJ) There is one body and one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all, and in you all.

I love outdoor landscapes, from the rolling hills, valleys, and plains. Included are the forests. During early to late Autumn days in the eastern United states-the color of the forest trees are amazingly beautiful. Hues of green, orange amber, browns, reds, whites, and purple complement each other- gloriously displaying the Lord's handiwork. The brightened sunshine adds a lustrous glow to the surrounding. As the evening draws nigh, the leaf colors seem to fade into a darkened backdrop. As darkness grows, stronger-all color appears to disappear. All the trees become as ONE. Darkness overshadows light-light hides in darkness.

Our Heavenly Father has many souls in His family -- one distinctly differs from another. The Lord sees us as one in His mind and heart. God is omniscent -- all-knowing as to what will befall each. He knows each individually, and He even knows your name. The Lord is not impressed with your personality, emotions, or outer appearance. We shall all be changed to imitate the Son.

The book of Ephesians describes both the unity of believers and the new hope which Christians have in Christ Jesus. The letter does not address a specific issue in the church, yet it targets general uses for all the churches of Asia. Paul appeals to Christians to live in a way that reflects God's grace.

The reality is that there is one body, the church, one with Jews and Gentiles, who are of the same body and is reconciled in one body by Christ and are baptized into it by the Spirit. There is but one church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven, and of saints who are different, are all one in Christ Jesus, who is the head of the body. There is one Spirit, the Holy Spirit, who quickens and convinces of sin, regenerates, and makes alive. The Holy Spirit comforts the saints and helps them in their access to God through Christ. The Spirit makes known the things of Christ to them all; a spirit of adoption; and that saints be of one heart, one soul, same mind, and having affections for one another.

Prayer: Lord:  You are indeed sovereign. For, I am one of your children, having been equipped with gifts from above to serve You and one another. But most of all, to bring glory to Your name as I live out my life with faith leaning on Jesus, the author, and finisher of my faith. You see me individually, as ONE with my sisters and brothers of the faith. What an awesome God I serve. In Christ Jesus, Amen

(by Novella D. Carpenter)