WHAT HOLDS IT TOGETHER?
...for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.
Colossians 1:16-17 (NLT)
"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)
I sit and think of the vastness of the universe. How is it that everything has its place—and that even one small shift could throw it all off? It's mind-bending. The planets, the stars and the sun all work in unity to sustain life on Earth. God paid careful attention to every detail of His creation—especially us.
We, as humans—well, that's another story. We're prone to wander from God and each other, losing our focus on unity.
Marriage is one example that requires caring, intentional attention. To maintain unity, two individuals from different backgrounds must come together as one through their commitment to God. At times, I've disagreed with my wife—a comment, her perspective or even her kindness in speaking the truth in love to me. Through those moments, I've found that the greatest thief of unity is not indifference but forgetting Who holds us together. Every time we turn back to Jesus and His love for us, we're held together, and unity is restored and sustained.
This may come as no surprise to some, but for others, it may be a needed gut check. Unity is the product of unconditional love—of overlooking wrongs and choosing forgiveness. It means choosing to love our neighbors and actively living out God's love. This is what brings real unity—not a duct-tape kind of unity, but one that's solid and everlasting. Love is an eternal adhesive that cannot be broken.
APPLICATION: Is there a conflict within my life hindering unity with someone? Ask the Spirit to speak to you about how to love like Jesus in that relationship.
PRAYER: Father, I am prone to wander from Your care, and I admit that I often want my way. Allow my heart to remain soft to Your call and be obedient to Your voice, so that I stay united with You and others. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?