11 November | EVERYONE
"There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Ephesians 4: 4-6
The theme for much of Ephesians is unity in Christ. It is not unity without doctrine. Doctrine is nothing else than the teaching of the teacher. But it does not to exist without Christ. He is the cornerstone of unity and doctrine. Without Jesus, there is no unity or doctrine.
Paul often repeats the expression "one" to refer to Christ's work that breaks down walls and builds bridges. “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation," he says (Eph. 2:14). Walls do not go with Christianity. There is no separation in Jesus. In Him, all human hopes and aspirations converge. Walls fall down and prejudices disappear. We begin to live in one Spirit who shapes the emotions of those who surrender to Him and allow themselves to be guided by Him.
For someone to claim that they have been baptized in the Spirit without being able to tolerate others is like saying that they have fallen into the sea but have not gotten wet. The Spirit speaks, teaches, shows the way, guides, but does not oblige, force, or drag. Jesus, in His last intercessory prayer for His disciples, pleaded for the Spirit to bring His church into unity. "That they may be one," He said, "just as We are one" (cf. John 17:22). If you open your heart to Jesus and beg for His Spirit to direct your life, you will fully understand and live the meaning of one faith and one Lord.
Imagine a hen spreading its wings to keep the chicks warm. Under His protection we are one, even though they remain all separate. In Christ, the whole becomes one and each ego disappears into the whole. The only one who appears in his splendor is Christ. He is the only Lord.
Take Action
Do not insist on seeking formal or even doctrinal unity. Join Jesus and foster unity in Christ. Only in this way will the spirit of discord, dissension, and struggle for power disappear. Give your heart to Jesus! Sing "One Lord, One Faith" (if possible, with your family).