Pray:
Jesus, You went to the cross praying that we may be one. Help me to be willing to pay the cost for unity.
Read:
PSALM 133:1-3
Reflect:
What are you doing to build unity?
Why does the church find unity so difficult? Why do we find it better to "agree to differ" and walk away from difficult situations, rather than work towards a united church? Why do we find it easier to explain away Jesus' prayer in John 17:21 that "all of them may be one," than face up to the difficult challenges it presents? If God loves unity--as this psalm shows--then our present disunity must really trouble him.
This short psalm gives a vivid image of how glorious Christian unity is, especially its final verse which illustrates that when unity occurs, God's blessing is found. That has been the story and experience of many who have joined forces with others different from themselves, in acts of service and evangelism. God is richly present in these moments of collaboration.
This psalm isn't a rebuke against disunity, but a full-blooded challenge to embrace our brothers and sisters in every part of the church. As disparate churches we are just little pockets of believers, scattered throughout the land. Just imagine what a truly unified church might be able to achieve by comparison.
Apply:
Reach out in partnership to another church in your local area or to a Christian from a different tradition than yours.
Pray:
Lord, day by day, I come to this place to seek You. You are my life's aim.
