Unity Beyond Uniformity
Can you imagine living in a house with a cracked foundation? Over time, the walls will begin to cave in, and the ceiling could buckle or split in two.
It might not happen right away, but eventually, everything slowly falls apart. In Mark 3:25, Jesus vividly portrays the impact of division…
"If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand."
Jesus wasn't merely discussing political entities or physical homes. He was teaching a powerful principle applicable to every area of life: where there is unity, there is strength. But when division seeps into a social structure—a family, a community, a neighborhood, a workplace, or a church—it weakens.
Division often feels inevitable, but Christians are called to examine our lives to see how we can be agents of unity. But not uniformity—unity doesn't demand that we all sound and act the same, but it does mean we should strive for harmony amidst diversity.
So, consider this: How can you begin to foster unity in the spaces and relationships God has placed you in? It could be overlooking a minor offense (Proverbs 19:11), listening with understanding to someone with differing viewpoints (Philippians 2:3-4), redirecting a conversation rooted in gossip (Proverbs 20:19), or apologizing for a hasty response (James 5:16). Every day you have a choice to pursue unity. So, how is God calling you to foster the spirit of unity today?
Peace That Stays
Everyone wants peace. In the world, in our homes, and in our hearts. In difficult times, we seek comfort. In heartbreaking moments, we want a peace that remains steady despite the circumstances.
The Bible teaches about this kind of peace. Philippians 4:7 describes the peace of God. No amount of self-talk or meditation can manufacture this kind of peace—it only can come from God Himself. Preacher and theologian Charles Spurgeon described this kind of peace as the perfect calm and happiness of God, who is always content.
This peace transcends all understanding. It's the idea that something goes beyond our normal way of thinking. That is a beautiful description of what God’s peace does. It exceeds our understanding and surpasses anything we could expect or imagine. It also guards and protects our hearts and minds.
How do we get this kind of peace? The surrounding verses in Philippians offer guidance. Philippians 4:6 tells us to take every anxious thought and turn it into a ...