Seeking the Unity of the Spirit

    “The Church is not a unity of organization or perfect theology. The Church is One because it is united to Christ, Who is the Head of the Church. It is a unity because it united to Jesus Christ: Jesus prayed for the unity of the believers in John 17:21 “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one:” Paul taught the Ephesians in Ephesians 1:22,23 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” (NIV) Again, in Ephesians 4:4-6 Paul tells us that, There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

It is very important that we see that the verse right before this ones says: Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. “Make every effort” from the word spoudazo which means “do something with intense effort and motivation - 'to work hard, to do one's best, to endeavor.' It is the same word that is found in:

1. NIV Romans 14:19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
2. NIV Hebrews 4:11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.
3. NIV Hebrews 12:14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
4. NIV 2 Peter 1:5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;
5. NIV 2 Peter 3:14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

This means that is not simply a passive act that we do. That is, we don't merely try to keep quiet and avoid trouble. But, it means that we actively work with all that is in us to see that the Church is unified, growing, and telling the Gospel. The question we need to ask ourselves is: “Am I doing everything in my power to seek and preserve the unity of the Spirit?”

-–Bernie Gillespie 10-01-06