Ephesians 4:3-6 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
I’m reminded right now of the song “One thing remains” from this passage – ONE hope, ONE Lord, ONE faith, ONE baptism, ONE God and Father of all – ONE thing that encompasses everything. This brings such relief to me.
Right now, there are a lot of things going on in my life, but I read this and I remember that no matter what happens, it’s all in ONE set of hands. When I worry about medical issues, or financial issues, He already knows the outcome. When I celebrate successes in my life, my family, my friends or my community, He’s at the center of it all and gets all the credit! Jesus has washed away all of my sins and I am clean. He took all my anxiety and all of my trials and troubles onto His shoulders so that I can rejoice in His love and grace and truth and joy.
I tell you what – that is a MUCH easier way to live life than to try to separate everything! One thing that I give all the credit to, it’s so simple! We are ONE in Him and should help each other through the good and bad times! We have ONE Father – all of us! – which makes us all brothers and sisters in Him, but we often don’t get along or we let disagreements tear up our relationships. We are ONE body of Christ and we should be supportive and encouraging of everyone, because we are ONE family. I’m striving for more of this in my life. I want to live in harmony and truth in this world and to be given the humble responsibility to just love His people is something that I’m so grateful I was called to. Now I walk forward, leaning on the ONE who will never leave me and who just loves me, even with all my baggage, and I rest all my hope on Him.
Heavenly Father, help us to be a healthy church and family. Help us to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. May there be unity in our local church and in the church worldwide. Help each of us in the body of Christ to exercise the gifts that you have given us. Help each of us to grow into a mature knowledge of Jesus in a healthy, growing church. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Toni
“Your love never fails, never gives up, never runs out on me… ONE thing remains”