Our Unity is Christ’s Glory

Beloved,

Yesterday, I was at the church building, as we know that the church is the people and not the building, and it was a beehive of activity. Brother Carter was cleaning things up. Members were setting things up for the Food Pantry and Clothing Closet. I had a chance to work with Jillian, the Church Secretary, on the website, and it is really nice. I also had a chance to discuss some other improvements at the church with Sister Perry. A lot was happening for a Tuesday at Zion Memorial.

As I reflected back on all that was happening, my joy increased as I saw evidence of the growing unity we are experiencing in our church family. If you are not involved, you are missing out, not on work, but on service for the glory of our God. If you are involved, bless you and keep doing what you can. And, do understand that my definition of involvement is relative to you and not to someone else. Everyone cannot do everything. But, you should do what you can.

When we all do what we can, lovingly and harmoniously, we are giving a living and breathing definition to the word “Unity”.

A church can be a collection of individuals who believe in God through Jesus Christ or a church can be a unified body of believers. I think that the most effective church and the one that will glorify God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - is the latter.

I believe Jesus was appealing for God the Father to empower the latter definition of the church in John 17:20-23,

“I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, 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. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” Our unity is Christ’s glory.

As we begin this New Year and embark on activity for the glory of God, for the glory of Jesus, for the glory of the Holy Spirit, I pray that you look for, strive for, and press for unity with your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Let unity begin with you.

Be blessed,

Rev. Cain