The Nurture of Unity (3)

 
Ephesians 4:3, Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Do we have any part in unity? Yes! Paul says keep the unity of the spirit, which leads to peace.

We clearly have a responsibility to do everything we can to maintain the unity that Christ has given us and He has so earnestly prayed for.

 But this is important. We are to “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
It is the responsibility of every believer to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Prevailing churches know that every believer has to be on guard for the subtle ways that Satan attempts to drive a wedge between us and destroy the unity that Christ has given us.

Prevailing churches understand the absolute necessity of protecting our unity!
Unity Trait #1 Humility
Romans 12:16 “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”

We need to have the humility to treat each other as Christ would treat us—He would love them and wash their feet. (Jesus showed us power under control when he humbled himself and told the disciples that if they followed this example they emulate him.) I love sports, especially football. If you have watched football long enough especially pros, none of them seem to walk in humility. In a world that emulates athletes and celebrities the idea of servant hood gets lost. Jesus humbled himself to die on a cross for us. That's an example to follow...So what is our part?

We need to have the humility to submit to those even if they are new to the church and you’ve been here a long time.

We need to have the humility to submit to those even if they don’t seem to do as much work as you do.
We need to have the humility to submit to those even if they do things differently than you do them.
We need to have the humility to go to their house and clean their toilet for them. To sit by the sick even if you are scared that you will get sick. We need to have the humility to greet each other and sincerely ask how they are doing and to pray for their well-being. When we develop this kind of humility it makes it very difficult for Satan to drive a wedge between us.

More tomorrow...You are loved...