A House Unified for Glory
We, as a collective people, are God’s very temple. The book of Revelation describes a wonderful scene: “I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, ‘Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them’” (Revelation 21:3, NLT). Though John is describing an event to happen in the future, it’s encouraging to know God is looking forward to the time when we can be together forever. What a privilege we are given! God is Holy and He chose to set us apart so He can dwell in us (1 Corinthians 6). We need to face this with reverence. It humbles me and reminds me of my inadequacies. BUT Jesus is our gateway.
Think about it. Jesus came to the earth—He gave up heaven to live on earth like us. He was fully God and fully human. As a baby, He entered the world, humble, tiny, and vulnerable. He grew. He ministered. He died a brutal death, took on my sin and your sin, and rose again. All for you and I to have eternal life. Are you in awe? I’m having a mini church service as I type! Thank you Jesus! Words escape me. You, Lord, are beautiful!
God’s glory dwells in you. Make room for it to shine on others daily. Community is designed to nurture and encourage this in each other. It’s truly beautiful!
Years ago I visited North Carolina, where we visited a church rocked by racial hate crimes. The church had been partially destroyed by arson. At dinner, I realized the significance of our time there, and the power of community in that church. The pastors received our love as well as service and gifts; prayer and physical presence brought encouragement. Such simple acts will reverberate throughout their community as they are renewed to do what God called them to do. It was the easiest mission trip I’ve ever participated in, yet, it was full of impact.
Sometimes, my friend, it is the little acts.
Jesus declared and even prayed for us to live as one, a unified whole.
“I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me” (John 17:21, NLT). Community produces unity. It’s even part of the word itself! Unity drives growth and effectiveness of God’s Kingdom. Your union with God and each other draws others to us. It is a beautiful thing to see the Body of Christ work together. “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity” (Psalm 133:1 NLT)!
Unity is the goal. We need to stop our criticism of one another and nurture the common ground. If the church is fighting with itself, how are we going to attract others to Jesus? God’s love brings unity, not quarreling. How we live together as the church declares a message to the world. It should be one of Jesus and His love.
