Unity - finally
John 17:23 The Message (MSG) 20-23 I’m praying not only for them But also for those who will believe in me Because of them and their witness about me. The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind— Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, So they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me. The same glory you gave me, I gave them, So they’ll be as unified and together as we are— I in them and you in me. Then they’ll be mature in this oneness, And give the godless world evidence That you’ve sent me and loved them In the same way you’ve loved me.
Jesus prayed the passage in John 17:20-23 out loud in front of a crowd. He was driving home a point. Unity among Christ Followers would demonstrate the reality of His presence in the world. Martha and I have made a marketplace observation, Christ Followers at work are unified in a common cause – to live out their faith in their work because Jesus changed them 100%. It’s amazing that God chose the Marketplace to show unity, but Jesus prayed this for us almost 2000 years ago. 2000 years. That is a long time.
Present day, the Church is now unified as well. Since the Corona virus has torn down the walls of the Church and spread the Church all over the world, we are operating as one for the first time since Christianity overtook the Roman empire 1700 years ago. What does this all mean to the Christ Following today?
It means that your workplace is your mission field and in that mission field, you and me may be the only Jesus our co-workers or employees may ever meet. Your workplace, however different it now looks, is a place of ministry and you have been called there. It’s not about the money or the prestige but it is about the people God has allowed you to be surrounded with each and every day – whether it is in person or on video conference.
Today, recognize the unity in the Church and see your part in it. Keep it going and see how a world can transform when it sees the reality of Jesus at work in your life and mine.
About the Author, Jim Brangenberg
Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!