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.
Ephesians 4:3-4
Make every effort! Why is this effort so necessary? Well, there are many reasons, but the one that the Holy Spirit points us to in this passage is this: we all share in the same Holy Spirit, who is spiritual DNA that connects us together. The Holy Spirit is at work to create the unity and harmony necessary to help us function together as the bodily presence of Jesus in our world. For that to happen, there needs to be a unity that includes peace. A body can’t function when it attacks itself or won’t communicate between its different parts. So we must all, individually and collectively, “make every effort” to preserve what the Holy Spirit has built and is working to hold together. To do less is to rebel against the work of God!
Father, thank you for
brothers and sisters in the Spirit
who are as close,
and sometimes closer,
than blood relatives.
Please work on my heart
to value the unity the Spirit
has established and to work hard
to keep that unity so that
we may display the character
and compassion of Jesus
to those around us.
In Jesus’ holy name,
I ask for this grace.
Amen.
Ken Crawford 