Unity is Vital to the Body of Christ

As members of the body of Christ, we all have a very important role. We must work for the good of the whole and, when the whole is healthy, we can attend to each other’s individual needs. Therefore, we have responsibilities to each other, to be unified with one another. Paul writes in Philippians 2:2 to be “of one mind.” Unity is crucial to health. If the human body attacks itself (as it does with autoimmute diseases), or neglects itself, the body becomes diseased and suffers. Likewise, the spiritual body can become diseased if we attack or neglect each other. Rugged individualism is contrary to our call. Only as we view ourselves properly will we fulfill our call to minister in the world for Christ.

We praise the Lord who meets our needs through Himself, as well as through unity with other Christians: “I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven. As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he shows us his mercy” (Psalm 123:1-2).

Now pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin and in fellowship with Him: “Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression (Psalm 19:12-13).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. As you agree with God’s will, voice your affirmation of His Word: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

As you make your requests know to the Lord, include:

• A passion for moral excellence,
• Unity in the body of Christ,
• Christian schools near you.

Now offer this closing prayer to the Lord: “To Him who is able to establish us according to the gospel…to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen” (personalized from Romans 16:25, 27).

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit —just as you were called to one hope when you were called — one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:1-6).