Unity - Working Together with One Mind and Purpose

He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:16 (NLT)

Here’s a wonderful story about Jimmy Durante, one of the great entertainers of a generation ago. He was asked to be a part of a show for World War II veterans. He told them his schedule was very busy and he could afford only a few minutes, but if they wouldn't mind his doing one short monologue and immediately leaving for his next appointment, he would come. Of course, the show's director agreed happily. But when Jimmy got on stage, something interesting happened. He went through the short monologue and then stayed. The applause grew louder and louder and he kept staying. Pretty soon, he had been on fifteen, twenty, then thirty minutes. Finally, he took a last bow and left the stage. Backstage someone stopped him and said, "I thought you had to go after a few minutes. What happened?"

Jimmy answered, "I did have to go, but I can show you the reason I stayed. You can see for yourself if you'll look down on the front row." In the front row were two men, each of whom had lost an arm in the war. One had lost his right arm and the other had lost his left. Together, they were able to clap, and that's exactly what they were doing, loudly and cheerfully. 

The Apostle Paul wrote a letter of thanks and encouragement to his friends in Philippi. He wrote about teamwork when he encouraged believers to be unified. He longed to know that they were “standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith…” Philippians 1:27

He again urges his brothers and sisters to “stay true to the Lord” (Philippians 4:1). Finally, Paul stressed spiritual unity. He asked if they had fellowship with one another in the spirit. He told them he’d be “truly happy” if they loved one another and were “working together with one mind and purpose.”

Paul wrote in Romans 15:5-6, “May God, who gives patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

We sure live in a society where issues divide us. Sometimes it's a very bitter division. Sometimes we find that we can simply agree to disagree. Yet, we do often come together as the Body of Christ, focus on those things we believe in common and work to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.  As believers, scattered across the globe, we are truly bonded across many cultural, economic and social walls. Remember, we are brothers and sisters in Christ and we should be living like God’s family. Support one another by offering intercessory prayer, share words of encouragement with those who are going through a challenging time and don’t be afraid to ask for help because God considers it a blessing for us to help one another. 

Who can you reach out to today?

"His faithful love endures forever."

Until next time...

Chaplain Gray