“..that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17:21)
By Bishop Jarod Cruthis
In the Church and corporate world, it has been my experience that the one absolute that will bring down what may have taken years to build is a lack of unity. Whether it is a parish, parachurch ministry, or business, those opposed to one another will do nothing more than weaken the very foundation upon which that entity is built upon. We see this type of division in the world around us, in families, government, and communities. This was never God’s plan. God created us all equal but beautifully different. As the Scriptures tell us, some may be a hand, a foot, or another vital part of the Body; however, every part of the body must function in harmony in order for the main goal to be accomplished.
So what has caused all of the division among us? Many have their ideas and opinions, but let’s take it straight to Scripture. Division is nothing more than envy, jealousy, and strife. It is a byproduct of pride. Pride not only comes before a great fall but where these things are present so is every evil work. How then do we function in the midst of all of this evil? The answer is simple…we don’t! Unity cannot exist where the human spirit has elevated itself to a place that is only reserved for the Father.
I could go on and on about how a lack of unity is destroying the very fabric of this Nation and the Church, but I’m more of a solution-focused guy. So how do we promote, embrace and walk in unity with each other? It all starts with submission. If we submit ourselves to God, then we release our will to Him. By surrendering my will I embrace His. God’s will is for good and not for harm, for love, for peace, and for all to be one with Him. If I submit my will to Him, then it leaves no room for pride. Without pride, I begin to decrease and by default the Spirit of Christ begins to increase. If there is more of Him then there will always be less of me and that my friend is the answer. This world needs less of me, less of you and more of Him. We are simply vessels. We are vessels created to be filled, poured out, and filled again. To what end? So that all will believe that God the Father sent Jesus to save us from ourselves.
May God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit bring us all together in a spirit of unity for His purpose and to expand His Kingdom.