We Are Family: Day Four
Day 4: The Source of Unity
Devotional
Where does true Christian unity come from? It's tempting to think we can create it through our own efforts - by finding people who think like us, vote like us, or enjoy the same activities. But Psalm 133 reveals a different source: "For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore." Our unity isn't something we generate from below; it's something that flows down from above. It's commanded by God himself. This means that authentic Christian unity isn't primarily about our compatibility or even our commitment to each other - it's about our common connection to Jesus Christ. In Ephesians, Paul explains how Jesus has broken down the dividing wall of hostility between different groups of people. Through his sacrifice, he creates "one new humanity" out of formerly divided peoples. Our unity isn't built on shared hobbies, political alignment, or cultural background - it's built on Christ alone. This truth is both humbling and liberating. We can't take credit for our unity, but we also don't bear the full burden of maintaining it. Jesus is the fountain, the spring from which our unity flows. When conflicts arise or relationships become strained, our best response isn't to look harder at each other or ourselves, but to look more intently at Jesus. As we fix our eyes on him, he holds us together.
For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one
and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility - Ephesians 2:14
Reflection Question
In what ways might you be trying to build unity on foundations other than Christ? How might focusing more on Jesus change your approach to difficult relationships within the church?
"Jesus alone is the source of our unity. He's the fountain. He's the spring.
Our unity isn't built on shared hobbies, political alignment, cultural background.
It's not built on our wisdom or our ingenuity. It's built on Christ." — Pastor Mike Mura
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for being the source of our unity. Forgive me for the times I've tried to create unity based on my preferences rather than your presence. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on you, especially when relationships are challenging. Draw your church together around you, our true center. Amen.