In Jesus’ final days, before his crucifixion, he prayed to his Father for unity among believers. Just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one, all believers are to be unified together with one purpose and mission – to spread the gospel and shine the light of truth on the world.
“I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are.” John 17:11
As children of God, we are one family dedicated to following the teachings of Jesus. Distinctions based on race, class, gender, age, or anything else do not apply to those who are in Christ. When we look at the Christian church today and see it divided into so many fragmented denominations, our oneness is obscured. Nevertheless, those of us who have trusted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior are one with the Father, one with the Spirit, one with the Son of God, one with our sisters in Christ, one with our brothers in Christ, one family by His blood.
“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:26-28
In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught us to pray for the strength, wisdom, and love that would bring about the Kingdom of God here on earth. Indeed, the family of believers is the Kingdom of God on earth of which Jesus Christ is the glorious Head; that kingdom only exists when we stand together as one, seeking the will of God. The ultimate goal is to see all the earth in complete conformity to the will of God. That day is on the way; for now, we our tasked with remaining pointed in that direction – the entire body of Christ – moving forward as one.
“Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10
Our prayers, the Word of God, our commitment, and our continued walk with Jesus will mold us together as one.
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