Unity. We know that as believers we already have it through the Holy Spirit. But how do we maintain it in a world that is increasingly divided, even within the church? And how do we connect with a body of believers in a way that we feel like part of the community?

Jesus had much to say on this topic, but first let me express my gratitude for your partnership with us. Thanks to you, others will have the opportunity to encounter Christ through the messages of God Centered Life.

Back to the question of unity, Jesus’ thoughts are recorded in John 17, the focus of this month’s series, “The Prayer of Jesus.” No less than three times, our Lord mentions unity in this chapter, including these verses:

The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one. Verses 22-23, ESV

Jesus’ prayer has been answered. Through Christ’s death on the Cross, we are one. But we frequently don’t live out that unity as we should. How do we apply our unity in practical ways? First, we must be bound together by a common belief in the Bible as God’s Word. Emphasizing our own preferences or stylistic concerns threatens our unity.

Second, we must remember that the Holy Spirit dwells in us. We grieve the Spirit when we promote ourselves over others. Instead, we need to exemplify the character of Christ by the Spirit of Christ, through our love, joy, peace, and so on. Despite our differences, through the Spirit, we are one.

We must also remember that there’s a mission purpose to this unity: “so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me” (verse 23). The way we love one another is a powerful avenue for the world to see that Jesus is who he claimed to be. May the way we live out our unity with one another leave no doubt.

I hope you’ll join me either online or on the radio to hear more about Jesus’ prayer for us. If you find the messages encouraging, please consider sharing them with others. Perhaps you will also consider a gift to help us continue this vital work.

To thank you for your gift of any amount this month, I’d like to send you the book Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders. In this proven classic, Sanders presents the key principles of leadership, illustrated with examples of eminent people of God, such as Moses, Nehemiah, Paul, David Livingstone, and Charles Spurgeon.

With gratitude,

Josh Moody
President and Founder
God Centered Life Ministries