Complete Unity

Scripture – John 17:22-26: I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Part of Jesus’ prayer is that we may experience “complete unity.” He describes that as Him being in us and God being in Him. His purpose is that we may be one. When I let my vision drop to my own ideas and my point of view – to the exclusion of others – I foster disunity. It’s only as we all keep looking to Christ and trusting His leadership that we find the oneness He intends. While He will lead different people (and churches) into different aspects of mission, we are all moving within His plan. And we certainly will not be working against one another. The unity we demonstrate in Christ is part of the witness we have for the world that Christ is the one sent by God.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) As I look for the specific ways Christ would have me serve Him today, I will honor and respect the call others are experiencing. I will remember the unity we have in Him. He is in charge.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, I’m sorry for the times I focus on my perspective as the only right way to do ministry. You call us all individually, even in our corporate life together, to different areas of mission. Show me how to live today in a way that demonstrates the oneness we all have in you.