UNITY OF THE BODY OF CHRIST

Philippians 2:1-2 says, "Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose." In Chapter 2, Paul shifted his attention to the unity of the believers in Philippi. He asked four questions that examined their relationship with our Lord Jesus, because their relationship with our Lord Jesus should lead them to unity among each other. If they found encouragement from belonging to Christ, if they found comfort in his love, if they found fellowship together in the Spirit of God, and if their hearts are tender and compassionate, then they should have love for one another and work together with one mind and purpose. Our Lord Jesus Christ is what holds them together as one body. When our Lord Jesus Christ is the center of the church, the church will become united. But if the people in the church are the focus of the church, the church will become disunited, which produces division.

One of the biggest reasons there are many people are discouraged from going to church is because of the disunity in the church. Much gossip, comparisons, and competitions are happening within the church. It seems as if the church becomes a club where people meet and fellowship, and not necessarily to worship God and align themselves in the holiness of our Lord Jesus. True fellowship in church only happens when every believer puts Jesus Christ at the center of their gathering. When Christ is in the center of our hearts, our pride and self-centeredness go away, and our love and caring for each other become evident in our actions towards one another. Every time we go to church, we must put our hearts and attention to our Lord Jesus, and not on others. As we fellowship with God through worship, prayers, and listening to God's message, our hearts become humble and seek to please God by loving and accepting others.

When our Lord Jesus Christ is in the center of our hearts, love and caring for each other are evident in our actions towards one another. Only our Lord Jesus Christ can unify us as one body. When we go to church this Sunday, let us examine our hearts and put God in the center of our hearts. Let Him speak His truth in our hearts, and our attitudes towards others will change.  

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) What makes a church united? Who should be at the center of my heart when I go to church? What happens when I put God at the center of my heart when I go to church? 

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, would you please help me to put you at the center of my heart every time I go to church to worship you? Please help me not to be distracted by my pride and self-centeredness. I pray for the church that I go to on Sunday that we will all focus our hearts and minds on you, so that we can love and care for each other. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.