“I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!”
John 17:22-24 NLT
We continue the theme of the unity that is supposed to be seen between believers. Jesus spent some time in His High Priestly prayer focussing on the importance of “perfect unity” because it is only then that the world around us will sit up and take notice. Jesus referred to the love that existed between Him and His Father, and that indicates something that should also be seen between believers. Paul wrote in Colossians 3:14, “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony“. There is a special bond of love that exists between believers, but too often the relationship deteriorates into arguments about the differences between them. Differences in Biblical interpretations, differences in liturgies. There is even arguments going on within the same denomination with, for example, the Church of England having its liberal and traditional wings, with resulting divisions removing all semblances of unity.
There is an account of a miracle performed by Jesus in Matthew 12. A demon-possessed man was healed, but the Pharisees suggested that Jesus received the power to do that from satan himself. We read in Matthew 12:25, “Jesus knew their thoughts and replied, “Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart“. That same principle applies to any corporate body, a church or denomination included. Infighting and disunity will eventually see the fruit of such behaviour, but that is probably why over the years so many different denominations have sprung up. It is why so many churches, even at a local level, split apart.
In Matthew 5, Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavour? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:13-16). Christians obedient to their calling will stand out, unified in a world of conflict.
How is unity between believers achieved? It all starts at the cross, where there is level ground and all repentant sinners will find forgiveness. Very early on in His ministry, Jesus said that those who want to be present in God’s Kingdom must be “born again”. To many Christians this is a contentious topic and it associates those of the new birth with fundamental and traditional interpretations of the Bible. But where else can unity between believers ever start? The writer of the Hebrews Epistle put his finger on the issue when he wrote, “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires” (Hebrews 4:12). In that verse he took as read the importance of the Word of God, and went on to emphasise its importance in the lives of believers everywhere. There can be no mutual acceptance of believers, in love and trust, unless there is mutual acceptance of the truth of God’s Word.
In many ways, the label “Christian” has fallen into disrepute. A friend of mine claims to be a “Christian” just because he considers himself to be a good person and does “Christian” things. But a true Christian is a person who believes in Jesus and who follows His ways and teachings, and in whom a glimpse of Jesus can be found. One of the scariest Scriptures can be found in Matthew 7. We read what Jesus said, “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws’” (Matthew 7:21-23).
Jesus defined what being a true Christian was all about, with all the implications of being one in the faith, when He said, “ Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter“. But we pilgrims cannot take a judgemental position, because we do not see as God sees, and in any case Jesus said “Do not judge lest you be judged”. Rather we should remember what Paul wrote in Philippians 2:12, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;” (emphasis mine).
Unity between believers won’t come easy. Our enemy the devil will do his utmost to prevent it, instead causing strife and division whenever the opportunity arises. But we persevere and try and look at our fellow believers with God’s eyes. He loves them, as He loves us. And so we can love each other, completing the triangle.
Dear Father God. Thank You for Your love and grace, which know no bounds. We worship You, our amazing God, today. Amen.
Being a Pilgrim 