Building Unity in the Body of Christ | Aug 12, 2024 | Henry Hon | One New Man | MR

ONM | Aug 12, 2024 | Henry Hon | One New Man
In the journey of faith, it's essential to move beyond mere programs and rituals. We must focus on engaging deeply with God's heart, not just seeking to perform but striving to gladden Him. It's not about being in a hurry or spectating; it's about expressing the life of Christ within us. This expression of life isn't just about receiving from God but also giving from the abundance He has placed within us.

The challenges facing our nation, including economic hardship and political instability, cannot rob us of the eternal treasure we possess—life in Christ. This treasure transcends all earthly difficulties, and no politician or situation can take it away. Therefore, we must resist the temptation to complain or protest and instead find comfort in God's assured love.

In our gatherings, it's crucial to recognize that our strength lies in the joy of the Lord, and this joy is found in our unity. As believers, we must practice unity in a tangible way, beyond denominational and doctrinal differences. This unity is not just a concept but a practical reality that reflects the Oneness Jesus prayed for in John 17.

The root of division, seen since the beginning with Cain and Abel, is sin. Division is Satan's strategy to weaken the Body of Christ. However, the kingdom of God cannot thrive in division. Jesus died not only to save us from our sins but also to break down the walls of division and create in Himself one new man, uniting all believers.

To walk in this unity, we must be willing to forgive, to feed others from the spiritual abundance we have received, and to fellowship with those who may differ from us. This unity must be practiced in our daily lives, in our neighborhoods, and in our communities. It is here, in the midst of our differences, that the true power of the Gospel is demonstrated.

However, this unity does not mean compromising on essential truths. We must be vigilant against false teachings and immoral practices, as Scripture warns us. We should not fellowship with those who intentionally teach falsehood or live in open rebellion against God's commands. Yet, within the Body of Christ, our differences in non-essential matters should not lead to division. We are called to put on the new man, who is renewed in the image of Christ, transcending cultural, social, and doctrinal barriers.

To achieve this unity, we need a renewed mindset and a commitment to living out the principles of the Kingdom of God. This includes practical steps such as gathering believers from different churches in our neighborhoods, not based on denominational lines but on our shared faith in Christ. In these gatherings, every believer contributes, and together we experience the fullness of Christ's body.

This unity is not just for our spiritual benefit but also for the transformation of our nation. A divided church cannot influence a divided nation. Therefore, as we strive for unity in the Body of Christ, we must also work towards unity in our society, standing together in the political and social spheres.

In conclusion, let us be intentional in practicing unity, starting from our local communities and extending to the larger Body of Christ. By doing so, we fulfill the prayer of Jesus and demonstrate to the world that we are truly His disciples.

---

This narrative emphasizes the key themes of unity, the practical expression of faith, and the importance of aligning our lives with the teachings of Christ.