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Unity is “the state of being joined together with identity and purpose.”  This is a ‘passive’ definition as we apply it to ourselves.  It is a state of being, meaning that an action has been taken by another that has effect on us.  Unity is not something we conjure up or manufacture.  It is not a product of our effort or design.  Praise God that he is the designer and manufacturer of our unity!  Praise God that this unity is in Jesus Christ!

As believers, we have been placed in Christ, which also means we have been placed in the Church.  God has placed us there to give us an identity and a purpose.  Although the definition of unity is passive, WE cannot be passive in our unity.  We must work.  We must work to be what we actually are.  We must work to be what we claim to be.  If we are passive, we are in danger of becoming static and stagnant.  Stagnation is deadly.  Like stagnant water is a breeding ground, an incubator, for dangerous bacteria and harmful parasites, attracting disease-carrying rodents and insects, spiritual stagnation is a catalyst for eternal deadly dangers.

We have the right to lay claim to unity in Christ; a unity with Christ and all those whom the Father has given him.  But a right does no good if it is not exercised.  It must be practiced.  We each have the responsibility to maintain, to carry on, to continue in, the state of unity that God has gifted us.  Each and every one of us are needed and necessary.  We each have been given grace to contribute to and be beneficial to this unity.  We must think highly of others and rightly of ourselves.

Will you think with me this week (and perhaps even have conversations with others) about the follow questions?

  • With whom or with what am I claiming unity/identity?
  • What is my most important or most significant unity/identity (community)?
  • What unity/identity/community is revealed or confirmed as most important by my actual activity?
  • How am I necessary for Anchor Baptist Church’s unity?
  • Do I view the other members of ABC as irreducibly necessary?
  • Do I give that proper practical recognition?
  • How can our different-ness be a catalyst for care of one another?
  • Where does my practice of love need to grow?
  • What sins do I need to put to death for the sake of ABC’s unity?
  • Where do I need the rest of ABC to help me do so?
  • How do I need to be maintaining ABC’s unity?