John 17:20

Unity in the church is marvelous as well as absolutely neccessary. Unity is required for a healthy church, but we must be careful how we arrive at that unity. Jesus prayed in John 17:20 that those of us who would believe in him through the testimony of His followers might be one. But we have to be careful and read the text slowly to be sure we stay on tract with what he meant. Unity in the business world often translates to comraderie and partnership, and while these are important they are not what Christ was speaking of.

He prayed that they "may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they may be one in us". There is a critical difference. An example used by A.W. Tozer may help explin. He said "One Hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other. They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to a standard to which each one must bow."

If our focus and devotion remains on Christ, we can become more unified than we ever would be by making unity our goal striving for a closer fellowship. The body becomes stronger as it's members become healthier. The entire church of God gains when the members that compose it begin to seek a closer relationship with God.

And this wonderful unity was for a purpose, a testimony. Not a testimony of "Most Unified" or the "Friendly" church. Not a testimony concerning our wonderful fellowship we have with each other. But so "that the world may know that You sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me."

Lord, let this start with me. Give me a closer relationship and walk with you today. As a leader enable me to encourage others as well that they also may be in harmony with you.

Your servant, Rick