Dwelling in Unity

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is

For brethren to dwell together in unity!

It is like the precious oil upon the head,

Running down on the beard,

The beard of Aaron,

Running down on the edge of his garments.

It is like the dew of Hermon,

Descending upon the mountains of Zion;

For there the Lord commanded the blessing—

Life forevermore. (Psalm 133)

For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. (Ephesians 5:30)

 

Unity -- as one (not one, but “as” one), existing and operating as a unit, united, in agreement, accountable and accounted for. (My definition)

 

Believers, collectively, comprise the church of Jesus Christ, and individually, we are members of His body. As such, we are the expression of our Lord on the earth, and our fellowship is to reflect the perfection and unity of the Holy Trinity — God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. They express oneness in all they are and all they do, and so must we, if we are children of God. We are not called to dependence on one another or independence from one another, but interdependence with one another. We are much better together, and Paul exhorts us this way in Ephesians 4:1-6 —I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in 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.

The Psalmist likens our unity to the anointing oil poured upon Aaron the High Priest, who was set apart for God’s purpose and pleasure. We, too, are a royal priesthood, set apart by the Spirit to witness of our King and Savior, Jesus Christ, all to the glory of God the Father. It is our Lord’s greatest desire that we be unified by our love for Him and each other, separated from the world and found together enjoying the peace and power of unity. When we lay aside our agenda and pick up our crosses, we are able to prefer others before ourselves and come together as one, thus fulfilling the law of love as Christ requires. Remember, the Lord would have us unified and focused on one thing only — Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 

Let's Pray - Dear Father, please continue to pour Your Spirit upon us as we come together in true fellowship as believers in Jesus Christ. It is an honor to members of Your church and heirs of Your promises. In Jesus alone, Amen.