Day: June 1, 2012

The Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus in chapter 4 about walking in unity. Verse 3 states…”endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”  Unity by definition is to join; to become united in oneness.  When you look at the Greek and Hebrew definitions, there is an emphasis not only on becoming one, but doing so one by one for the purpose of abundance.  Abundance is an outgrowth of our oneness in unity with the Spirit.  It is a reward or benefit of abiding in unity. Our definition of unity is expanded.  The sum of our parts is greater because of our oneness with Christ.  Further in chapter 4 of Ephesians, we are told there is one body and one Spirit, and we as believers are called into one hope through our Lord, our faith, our baptism, our God and Father.  How do we become one body demonstrating unity?  By equipping the saints til “we come into unity of the faith” and in the knowledge of Jesus.  With the combined gifts and works of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, the church becomes a mature, stronger and fully prepared entity ready to carry out His plans.  We become more powerful, more loving, more compassionate, more cunning about the ways of the enemy…all parts working together in sync [harmony] with the divine plan of salvation.  We become one.  Not all at once, but individually, one by one until every part of the body is in place and fully operational.

The word unity appears three times in the Scriptures, just three. In Psalm 133:1, and in the verses 3 and 13 of Chapter 4 in Ephesians.  And yet despite its absence in other scriptures, the theme of unity in the house of God can be seen throughout the Bible.  Even before Adam and Eve sinned, God had devised a unifying plan to restored us to “glorious abundant oneness” with Him.  May you grow up in all things [one body] into Him who is the Head-Christ our Lord.