“…until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:13)
When Cain struck down Abel, his line of defense to God was, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” This angry retort was a defensive mechanism to hide his sin, but it also uncovered a very real temptation for us all – the temptation to view our lives as islands.
Ephesians sings a different song than Cain. It speaks of unity within the church… the type of unity found in diverse people bearing one another’s burdens and striving together “until we all attain”.
MY success is not good enough. OUR success is the goal.
What does such unity look like in practical terms? It is seen in weeping together at funerals and visitations. It is seen in rejoicing together at birthday parties and get-togethers. It is seen in mentoring of the next generation and in the care of the aging one. It is seen in conversations about our faith held in our homes and gathered around coffee tables. Ephesians cries for us to follow the Lord together.
We are one, and we rise to meet our Lord together.
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites