Isn’t it amazing to know Jesus himself prayed for US to be united together as one, just as He and the Father are one (John 17:20-23)! He even prayed that we would be made complete and perfect AS ONE, so we would be witnesses to the world! When we unite, we reveal God to the world around us. Psalm 133 tells us that God commands His blessing where there is unity!
Building relationships and operating in unity takes effort on our part. Paul had countless relationships and depended on the unity of others to assist him in his ministry. Even through the many challenges he faced, he stayed connected to those he worked with and drew courage and strength from those close to him. We find fulfillment of purpose when we unite our hearts together. Paul left a beautiful legacy for all of us to follow!
It’s important to remember that we have a very real enemy who works to divide us however he can. In 1 Peter 5:8, the Bible describes him as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. We need to be on guard against the tactics he uses to cause division: isolating us with feelings of insecurity, busyness, being offended and being consumed by the cares of the world. Remember, he is very subtle in the ways he tries to trap us. Often, things like discouragement, fear, hurt feelings or shame prevent us from connecting with others as we should… in these traps, our focus becomes so much on ourselves that we fail to see the opportunities around us to unite.
The devil’s nature is self-focused, and the Bible describes him as a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). We cannot afford to fall victim to his deception! Remember, we have the ability to take authority over the enemy and his lies because of Jesus and the cross!
God’s nature is always focused on people. His heart is full of love, mercy and compassion. His ways are perfect and His love for us is unconditional. He is always working in us to give us the desire and the power to do what pleases Him (Philippians 2:13)! We want to take on His nature and His ways for the world to see!
Jesus is our perfect example in all things. The Bible tells us to look to Jesus, who endured the cross… He suffered so that we could experience FREEDOM!! Our focus should be on Jesus and others, not on ourselves. He endured our pain and our shame, so we would not have to. The cross UNITES us as ONE. We need to take whatever burdens we are carrying to the cross and leave them there! When we surrender our hurts, failures and shame to the cross, it allows God to work in areas of our lives that we could never correct on our own. He is more than able to work ALL things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28)!
As we spend quiet time with God this week, let’s consider the following:
- Read Psalm 133. Why do you think unity is important to the heart of God?
- Do you struggle with areas of self-focus in your life causing you to put up walls that separate and divide you from others?
- Do you see Satan’s traps in these areas of your life?
- What do you need to take to the cross and LEAVE there?
- How can you better take on the nature of God?
We all need to recognize the lies of the enemy and learn to stand strong and firm on the Word of God. We must continually let go of Satan’s sinful nature and embrace the nature of God for the world to see. We do this as we surrender all to Jesus!
