By Laura Springer with Jeff Barnhart
Key Passages: Deuteronomy 4:35; 6:4-9; Psalm 19:1-6; Romans 8:26-30; 1 Corinthians 8:5-6; Ephesians 4:1-6
Key Idea: God is one God, and he has made us one people. Therefore, the unity of the church is both necessary and beautiful.
Silos and division are everywhere. So many things drift in, separating us from one another: age gaps, political differences, social and cultural distance, marital status, and much more. Society should not have such divisions, much less in the family of God's people.
God is one. Scripture teaches that there is only one God (Deuteronomy 4:35). No matter how many spiritual powers may exist, God is unique (1 Corinthians 8:5-6). His singular glory shines through all creation (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Psalm 19:1-6).
God has made his church one people. The church belongs to God, and we bear his image in the world. Since God is one, unity is essential to our being, for our unity rests in God, and he is our perfect example. Just as God is one God, the church is one church. Culture, language, preference, and denomination must not divide us. Instead, we must love one another just as Father, Son, and Spirit love one another. We must be of one mind just as Father, Son, and Spirit are of one mind. When disagreements arise, we must work together to reach an agreement that aligns with God’s will. Unity is not optional but necessary.
God calls his church to live as one people. God has given his people the capacity to be one, for he has saved us, indwells us, and will make us like himself. He has delivered us from sin and the death, destruction, and division it brings. He lives within and among us, forming us as one in Christ. He works within us to conform us to the image of Christ. He calls and equips us to live as one people, a family of Sibling-Priests who share life and work together toward God’s good ends. He calls us to love one another as siblings, to carry out loving justice, and to wait on him as a community.
Let us live as one. So, let those of us who know the one true God live as his one people. Knowing that he blesses us with his love, let us love boldly. Knowing that we abide in his presence now and forever, let us dwell together in ways that show the world our great and awesome God. Knowing we have life in his presence forever, let us live toward him now through lives of hopeful, joyful worship.
Despite much division, we see community and connection everywhere in society and God’s church. Friendships form across social and cultural barriers. People team up from across the political spectrum to do good work. Old, young, and those in between labor and play together. Singles and married people form communities and friendships. The church should do no less. So, as much as it depends on us, let’s do our part to live out God-reflecting unity. The one God has made us his one people (Ephesians 4:1-6); let us determine to live like it.
Who writes Academy? Laura has an MDiv in Christian Education, a ThM in Systematic Theology, and a PhD in Educational Studies. She also serves TFB as a guitarist (primarily) and singer in TFB's worship band. Jeff has a Certificate in Biblical and Theological Studies and is currently working on an MA in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care. He also serves as kitchen lead for TFB's Family Dinner, co-lead in the Young Adult Ministry, and as TFB’s bookkeeper.
